The ACMA auctioned 40 licences in the 2.3GHz spectrum for specific regional and remote areas of the country. Telstra successfully bid for 12 licences and BKAL successfully bid for four.
NBN Co has purchased spectrum licences in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, outback Queensland and far west New South Wales. The Australian broadband provider said that the result of this auction has given the business the coverage it needs for its wireless network.
“We are pleased with the outcome of today’s auction as it means we can provide high-speed wireless services to some of the most poorly served areas as a priority,” said NBN Co CEO Mike Quigley. “We are on target to provide wireless broadband services up to five years earlier than some areas earmarked for fibre.”
The move follows the announcement by NBN Co in June of plans to build and operate a 4G fixed-wireless network costing the company over $1 billion (AU$1.1 billion).
