The Federal Government will release 126 megahertz of “digital dividend” broadcasting spectrum, following the switch-off of analog television signals by December 31 2013.
The Government aims to auction the digital dividend spectrum in the second half of 2012, with Telstra likely to be permitted to bid.
Comms and Broadband Minister Stephen Conroy announced the decision late last week He said this would present a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve communication services available in Australia”.
The spectrum is expected to be used for super-fast mobile broadband services, most probably using long-term evolution (LTE) technology. Conroy noted that it is able to carry signals over long distances, penetrate buildings and carry large amounts of data.
Telstra is likely to be free to bid for the spectrum, following last week’s heads-of-agreement deal with NBNCo.
