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Aust Gov Targets US$3.1 Bn from Digital Spectrum Auction |
| Source: |
futuregov.asia |
| Source Date: |
Friday, November 23, 2012 |
| Focus: |
ICT for MDGs
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| Country: |
Australia |
| Created: |
Nov 27, 2012 |
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The Australian government is finalising the groundwork for a revenue-generating wireless spectrum auction that is expected to deliver a budget surplus of US$3.1 billion (AUD$3 billion) in the New Year.
This “Digital Dividend” auction, due in April 2013, opens up widely-contested airspace for carriers, mobile phone operators, internet service providers, and TV networks .
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has broader oversight for the “Digital Dividend” auction. It is managing a complex registration process for industry contenders in coming months.
An industry registration start date, planned for 22nd November 2012, has been extended indefinitely.
Australian Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy is understood to be setting the final reserve prices and lot sizes for this auction.
This “Digital Dividend” auction includes spectrum in the 700 MHz band as well as spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band. This spectrum becomes available as TV networks make the switch from analogue to digital-only broadcasting.
Senator Conroy earlier said more widely-available spectrum paves the way for next-generation mobile broadband, as well as 4G mobile services.
UHF spectrum is currently used for broadcasting services. This airspace is highly valued because of the ability to support wireless communications, including super-fast mobile broadband.
UHF signals are more readily relayed over longer distances, while penetrating hard-to-access buildings and out-of-range locations. This spectrum access can also support higher volumes of data and voice traffic.
Australia’s revised spectrum plan is expected to reduce the cost of smartphones and other mobile devices. Nationally, mobile penetration continues to overtake fixed-line telephone services.
Internet use and a faster penetration of internet-capable mobile phones is opening up market share for incumbent and new telcos, as well as operators and internet service providers.
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Aust Gov Targets US$3.1 Bn from Digital Spectrum Auction The Australian government is finalising the groundwork for a revenue-generating wireless spectrum auction that is expected to deliver a budget surplus of US$3.1 billion AUD$3 billion in the New Year
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