Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
2Ghz Auction Postponed For Competition Issues
MEDIA RELEASE
HON PAUL SWAIN
MINISTER OF
COMMUNICATIONS
20 December 1999
2GHZ AUCTION
POSTPONED TO ADDRESS COMPETITION ISSUES
The 2GHz auction scheduled for January 31 is to be postponed to allow competition concerns with the auction to be addressed, the Minister of Communications Paul Swain announced today.
"Part of the spectrum available for auction can support third generation cellular technology," he said.
"Third generation cellular will see the development of high speed mobile data and voice applications which are hugely important to the economic development of New Zealand.
"When in opposition I expressed the concern that our competition law (which will apply to the auction outcome) is not robust enough to ensure that competition develops in these new technologies.
"Consequently, the auction will be delayed to allow further work to be done on these competition issues.
"This work will be given high priority, with a new auction date to be announced as soon as these competition issues are resolved.
"This is expected to be at the end of February," the Minister concluded.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
Family First: Just 1 In 6 Oppose ‘Three Strikes’ - Poll
Labour Party: Budget Blunder Shows Nicola Willis Could Cut Recovery Funding 
Government: Urgent Changes To System Through First RMA Amendment Bill
