Government enables early access to 5G spectrum

The Government has given the go ahead to enable further development of 5G networks by making appropriate spectrum available.

Cabinet has approved the allocation of short-term rights to an unused portion of 3.5 GHz spectrum.

3.5GHz is the first spectrum band to be allocated for 5G services. Short-term rights will run from mid-2020 to 31 October 2022.

The decisions made also provide an opportunity for Māori interests in radio spectrum.

Further details of the short-term allocation will be released early next year. Long-term rights to 3.5 GHz spectrum are still on track to begin in November 2022 and details of this allocation will continue to be developed.

Full press release on the Beehive website(external link)