As expected Telecom NZ publicly confirmed it will be bidding in the 700 MHz spectrum action. The auction is scheduled to start at the end of this month.

In  a statement to the NZX CEO Simon Moutter says:

In order to encourage rapid development of 4G services and deliver the greatest benefit to consumers and the broader New Zealand economy we believe the auction process should aim to deliver an outcome that assists investment in a rapid and extensive rollout of 4G network services.

The spectrum becomes free as the analogue television network moves to digital transmission.

Most 4G services currently on offer in New Zealand use the 1800 MHz band. As Moutter explains:

...1800 MHz spectrum is not particularly well suited for use outside major urban areas. In less densely populated areas, the broader coverage range of lower frequency spectrum enables a 4G network to be built with less cell site infrastructure, significantly improving the network economics.

©digitl nz 2013

Bill Bennett on Google+

© Scoop Media

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