Approach to allocation of management rights in 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz
Following consultation with industry, Cabinet agreed to a package of proposals for the allocation of expiring rights in 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz.
These decisions respond to feedback to public consultation and strike a balance between providing investment certainty to existing users and enabling competition in the long-term.
To meet the spectrum needs of the mobile industry, Cabinet has agreed to:
- offer approximately 70% of existing holdings to those mobile network operators who are current right holders
- offer 30 MHz in the 2600 MHz band directly to 2degrees, and
- allocate remaining spectrum in the 2600 MHz through a competitive auction process.
In addition to mobile services, some spectrum will be made available to the New Zealand Defence Force to strengthen capability and national security. Where possible, spectrum made available for defence operations will be shared to maximise efficient use of spectrum.
Cabinet has also agreed to continue to set aside spectrum for Māori and non-national services. This largely maintains the current arrangements and ensures spectrum is shared and used to meet a wide range of connectivity needs across the country.
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