Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom and NBN Co secured 574 lots of 3.4GHz and 3.7GHz spectrum in an auction held by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for A$721.8 million ($473.1 million). ) earned close to.
Telstra has acquired the rights to 110MHz of mid-band spectrum, including 80MHz in Sydney and Melbourne, for A$545.6 million.
Telstra said in a statement that it had acquired the majority of the spectrum at a “very competitive price”, establishing mid-band spectrum assets for the next 20 years.
Optus spent A$33.5 million on 20MHz of 3.7GHz spectrum covering northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. The carrier said the allocation will add 35MHz in the 3.6GHz band.
TPG Telecom, through its infrastructure subsidiary Mobile JV, has acquired 44 lots of 3.7GHz spectrum for A$128.2 million. This includes 20MHz in Sydney and Melbourne, 30MHz in Adelaide, 25MHz in Brisbane, Canberra and Perth, and 50MHz in Hobart. The company noted that the new spectrum will complement the current 5G spectrum licenses in the 3.6GHz and 26GHz bands.
NBN Co was allocated 200 lots in the 3.4GHz band for A$14.4 million.
All but 14 of the 588 available lots were allocated to bidders.
The 3.4GHz license is valid for 7 years and will be issued soon. His 3.7GHz license will start in early 2024 and expire in January 2044.
Telstra says the auction is expected to be ACMA’s final allocation of mid-band spectrum for the foreseeable future.
