The New Zealand government announced recently that it intends to auction the remaining 2x5 MHz block of 700-MHz 4G radio spectrum.
Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams said radio spectrum management rights are deemed to be business assets and are therefore subject to the competition provisions of the Commerce Act 1986.
To date, Telecom and Vodafone each successfully bid for 2x15 MHz (three lots), while 2degrees successfully bid for 2x10 MHz (two lots) during the first round of the auction last month, leaving one 2x5 MHz block of spectrum unsold.
The auction conditions are designed to ensure that at least 90% of New Zealanders have access to a 4G network and faster mobile broadband coverage within five years.
Indications are that by using the spectrum for 4G mobile networks, economic benefits for New Zealand of up to $2.4 billion can be expected over the next 20 years.