Successful mid-band spectrum auction promotes connectivity

Media Release from the Hon Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications

MEDIA RELEASE | 23 November 2023

The Federal Government congratulates the independent Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for the successful completion of the 3.4/3.7 GHz bands auction.

574 of the 588 available lots have been allocated to support the rollout of 5G and fixed wireless services in Australia.

Telstra, TPG, Optus and NBN Co all secured spectrum licences as a result of the 3.4/3.7 GHz bands spectrum auction announced today – raising a total of $721.8 million.

Licences for winning bidders in the 3.4 GHz band will commence immediately and will be valid until December 2030. Successful bidders in the 3.7 GHz band will enjoy 20-year licences, commencing in January 2024.

This auction is a great outcome and delivers increased investment opportunity for both 5G mobile services and fixed wireless broadband deployment across Australia. Mid-band spectrum, including the 3.4 and 3.7 GHz bands, is a highly valuable component of mobile and fixed wireless networks, given it can provide a good balance between capacity and coverage in metro and regional areas.

The 3.4/3.7 GHz bands auction was the first spectrum allocation to use the new auction capability funded by the Government in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget. High value spectrum licences are allocated via auction to secure the best outcomes for the Australian economy.

Spectrum is a finite natural resource most electronic devices use to carry information, including smartphones, satellites, tablets, televisions, radio and radars. The Government aims to promote the long-term public interest through the efficient use of spectrum, best achieved through competitive allocation.

The full auction results have been published on the ACMA’s website: www.acma.gov.au.