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Introduction


This Document is Archived


Proposed Auction of Spectrum Rights for WLL, LMDS and Cellular Services: Discussion Document

Radio Spectrum and Broadcasting Policy Group, Resources and Networks Branch
[ Last Updated 15 December 2005 ]


1. Since 1989 the Ministry has created management rights with 20-year terms in a number of radio frequency bands. Where there is no specific policy reason for management rights to be held by the Crown they have been allocated by tender or auction. Rightholders are then able to create licences as they see fit.

2. The most recent auction was for spectrum in the 2 GHz frequency band. The Ministry has also had requests for access to other frequency bands for telecommunications purposes. The frequency bands in question are:

  • 3.4-3.6 GHz, suitable for Wireless Local Loop (WLL) applications;
  • 24.5-26.4 GHz, suitable for Local Multipoint Distribution Services (LMDS);
  • 890-900 MHz suitable for cellular purposes (this band could be paired with spectrum at 845 MHz for DAMPS/CDMA services or with spectrum at 935 MHz for GSM services).

3. It is proposed to allocate these frequency bands by auction. The auction would be held in the first half of 2002.

Summary of Issues

4. The proposed auction raises seven main issues:

  1. Should management rights in the WLL, LMDS, and 800-900 MHz frequency bands be auctioned?
  2. Should these management rights be included in a single auction that is expected to be held in the first half of 2002?
  3. Should all of the available bands be allocated at this time, and if spectrum is retained for geographic licensing of particular uses, how should any retained spectrum be managed?
  4. Would the spectrum be useful for promoting Maori language and culture and, if so, how, and to what extent, should the Crown retain spectrum for this purpose?
  5. Should acquisition limits be imposed on one or more of the frequency bands proposed for auction?
  6. What are the best ways of arranging management rights or auction rules to maximise potential use of the 890-900 MHz band, while guarding against any potential interference susceptibility of equipment?
  7. What expiry dates are appropriate for any management rights auctioned in the 800-900 MHz bands?

5. The Ministry is seeking comments on these issues and on specific proposals, which are explained in the following pages.


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