Australia Opens Applications for 5G Spectrum Auction in the 850/900 MHz Band

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced last week it is now taking applications for its upcoming 5G spectrum auction. The application period ends September 2021, with the spectrum auction scheduled to commence in late November/early December 2021. ACMA, in a statement, said low band spectrum forms the backbone of 5G connectivity in Australia and spectrum in the sub‑1 GHz bands that can carry signals across longer distances is essential to the deployment of wide-area networks, such as mobile services and fixed wireless internet.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the allocation of 5G-optimized spectrum in the 850/900 MHz band 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,” O’Loughlin said.

“The ACMA will auction 70 MHz of paired spectrum in the 850/900 MHz band across all of Australia. We encourage all interested parties to apply during this window so they can participate in the auction in late 2021,” O’Loughlin said.

The auction forms part of the Australian government’s plan to make 2021 the Year of 5G. The ACMA auctioned high-band spectrum in the 26 GHz band in April this year for a total revenue of $647 million.

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