Final allocations of 3.5 GHz band and update to Statements of Government Policy and Directions
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Business Update – June 2023
In this issue
- Call for expressions of interest in FM sound broadcasting licence
- Final allocations of National Management Rights made for 3.5 GHz band
- Update to Statements of Government Policy and Directions
Call for expressions of interest in FM sound broadcasting licence
An application has been received for the following FM sound broadcasting spectrum licence:
- Two Peaks (Central Hawkes Bay District) 96.4 MHz, licence ID 402706, reserve price: $3,920 incl. GST
Radio Spectrum Management is seeking expressions of interest in this commercial FM licence, closing 5pm on 30 June 2023. Interested parties should email the Crown Spectrum Asset Manager via crownspectrum@mbie.govt.nz
Following this, decisions will be made to determine if the licence can be allocated by direct sale or by a competitive allocation process.
Final allocations of National Management Rights made for 3.5 GHz band
On 12 May 2023, the Government announced long-term Management Rights for the 3.5 GHz band will be awarded. These long-term rights will come into effect from 1 July 2023.
The details of this arrangement include:
- New Zealand’s three mobile network operators (MNOs) each receiving 80 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band. This is sufficient radio spectrum for all three MNOs to operate nation-wide 5G networks. In exchange, each MNO has committed to accelerate the roll-out of 5G services to small towns across New Zealand, and pay $24 million ($72 million across all three MNOs) to be used for the expansion of connectivity coverage in rural areas.
- The Interim Māori Spectrum Commission receiving 100 MHz of spectrum. The Interim Māori Spectrum Commission will manage this spectrum on behalf of all Māori.
Further information on this allocation is available in Minister Andersen’s press release or the RSM website.
Update to Statements of Government Policy and Directions
The Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications can issue Statements of Government Policy and Directions to guide the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment in administering radio spectrum in New Zealand. This includes identifying reserved frequencies which may not be assigned on a long term basis, other than in special circumstances. The Minister has added the frequency range 1900 MHz – 1910 MHz to this list of reserved frequencies.
Visit our website for further detailed information
