Hong Kong's Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) has opened applications for a planned spectrum auction in the 900-MHz and 1800-MHz bands.
The auction, which is scheduled to take place in December, forms part of the regulator's hybrid approach to reassigning the 200 MHz of spectrum in the two bands that is due to be returned to the regulator shortly.
Under this approach, the four existing licensees – China Mobile Hong Kong, HKT, Hutchison and SmarTone – have each been offered and taken up a right of first refusal for 20 MHz of their current 1800-MHz holdings.
The remaining 70 MHz of expiring 1800-MHz spectrum - along with 50 MHz in the 900 MHz band - will be assigned via the planned auction.
According to OFCA, the 50 MHz of spectrum will be divided into five equal lots, while the 1800-MHz spectrum will be divided into three lots of 20 MHz and one of 10 MHz.
Bidders will be limited to acquiring 90 MHz of spectrum across both bands, and 20 MHz in the 900-MHz band. The reserve price for all lots has been set at HK$38 million per MHz.
Operators will be able to submit their applications to OFCA until November 15-16 ahead of the auction the following month.