Australia to Auction Future 700 MHz Licenses
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is inviting applications from prospective participants in the April 2017 auction of spectrum licences in the 700 MHz band for commercial networks
The lots on offer remained unsold following the 2013 digital dividend auction.
‘This spectrum band— made available after Australia switched from analog to digital TV—is highly valued for mobile broadband, in particular 4G services,’ said acting ACMA Chairman, Richard Bean. ‘We expect that the spectrum will be used to provide high-speed mobile voice and data coverage to regional and metropolitan Australia.’
A summary of the key auction dates is as follows:
- 16 December 2016—the ACMA made allocation instruments and registered them on the Federal Register of Legislation.
- 16 January 2017—the ACMA advertises auction, publishes the Applicant information package and applications open.
- 13 February 2017—application deadline. This is the date by which auction applicants must submit completed auction forms and pay the application fee.
- 16 March 2017- preference deadline. This is the date by which auction applicants must submit completed lot preference nomination forms and make the substantial deposit.
- To be announced—mock auction and notification of start date.
- 4 April 2017—estimated auction commencement.
The Applicant information package (AIP) and Auction Guide, that were released this week, provides information on the spectrum products on offer, the auction rules and how interested parties can participate in the auction.