WELLINGTON, New Zealand—New Zealand plans to auction additional spectrum by mid-year for wireless local loop, local multipoint distribution services and cellular services under revised rules from the country’s last auction of third-generation spectrum, according to the country’s communications minister.
The country will auction nine blocks of spectrum at 3.4 to 3.6 GHz for WLL systems. It will also sell five blocks of spectrum at 24.5 to 26.4 GHz for LMDS services. Finally, it will sell spectrum at 900 MHz for cellular services and a single lot of 2GHz spectrum that was previously unsold in the country’s 3G auction.
“The WLL lots to be auctioned will be subject to acquisition limits preventing any one party from acquiring more than three lots,” said Paul Swain, communications minister.
The government also will set aside two additional WLL lots to allow licensing in particular areas to promote regional development, the government said.
New Zealand sold 3G licenses in 2000 and 2001 through an auction that lasted several months. Four companies purchased 3G licenses at that time, although two of the license holders have since merged, with Telstra’s acquisition of Clear Communications from British Telecommunications plc. Telecom New Zealand and Vodafone Group plc also hold 3G spectrum in the country.
