5G on track for 2020: 3.5 GHz spectrum the first available

The first allocation of 5G spectrum will be the 3.5 GHz band, with national rights to this portion of the spectrum expected to be auctioned early in 2020, Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Hon Kris Faafoi announced today.

In February 2019, the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media announced that the 3.5 GHz band will be allocated for national 5G networks. Spectrum rights will be allocated by auction in 2020 and ready for use from November 2022. Spectrum will also be available to regional wireless broadband service providers in the band.

Allocation details of these regional spectrum rights are expected to be announced later this year.

View the Minister for Communications’ announcement on 5G spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band(external link)