12 April 2017
The Turnbull Government today announced that all spectrum on offer in the unallocated 700 MHz spectrum band was sold in a competitive auction to TPG and Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA).
TPG purchased the 2 x 10 MHz lot for $1.26 billion and VHA purchased the 2 x 5 MHz lot for $285.9 million, generating total revenue of $1.55 billion.
Spectrum is a key enabler for the digital economy, and the Government is pleased that the auction has enabled this spectrum to be released for use. The highly valuable 700 MHz spectrum band supports mobile broadband services across Australia.
The Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) held the auction on behalf of the Government following strong interest among carriers for premium spectrum to meet ongoing demand for high-speed data.
The licences will commence on 1 April 2018 and expire on 31 December 2029.
More information about the 700 MHz spectrum auction is available on the website at www.acma.gov.au/