The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has opened applications for the upcoming 2021 auction of the 5G spectrum in the 850/900 MHz band.
The opening of applications is part of ACMA’s 850/900 MHz band spectrum auction to allocate spectrum licences, in which the spectrum will be sold to enable new 5G services in Australia.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the allocation of the 5G spectrum will support new and existing operators to better deliver services across regional, rural and remote areas of Australia, as well as to major population centres.
“The spectrum available in this auction will facilitate a wide range of new services that will benefit businesses and consumers across Australia,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
The ACMA will auction 70 MHz of paired spectrum in the 850/900 MHz band across all of Australia.
The application period runs from 1 September 2021 to 21 September 2021. The 5G spectrum auction is scheduled to commence in late November/early December 2021.
“We encourage all interested parties to apply during this window so they can participate in the auction in late 2021,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
By auctioning the 5G spectrum, interested parties have the opportunity to bid for the accommodations of the deployment of 5G services in Australia.
The ACMA has prepared an applicant information package (AIP) for interested parties. The AIP provides a detailed auction guide, information on the spectrum available and starting prices.
The auction is part of the Australian Government’s plan to make 2021 the Year of 5G. Earlier this year, ACMA auctioned high-band spectrum in the 26 GHz band for total revenue of $647 million.
Low band spectrum forms the backbone of 5G connectivity in Australia, as those within the sub‑1 GHz bands can carry signals across longer distances. This makes it essential to the deployment of wide-area networks, such as mobile services and fixed wireless internet.
SOURCE: AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA AUTHORITY MEDIA RELEASE