Current and upcoming spectrum auctions

Information about current and upcoming spectrum auctions can be found on this page.

Licence for FM sound broadcasting (Auction 18)

We have released details for the sale of one FM commercial sound broadcasting licence. This type of licence is contestable.

When someone applies for a licence, we call for expressions of interest (EOI).  The licence for sale is:

Licence Transmit Location Frequency
(MHz)
 Reserve Price
(Incl. GST)		 Licence No
21 Racecourse Road, Omakau (Otago) 89.5 MHz (FM) $1,150 267371

A public auction for this licence will commence on Wednesday 30 October 2019 on the Trade Me website, for a duration of seven days.  Skylarc will manage the auction. 

The licence is in the Crown’s name. We will transfer the licence to the winning bidder once you've paid Skylarc and signed the Crown's Agreement.  Signing the agreement enforces the implementation rules for you to get your licence.  This means  you must:

  • Pay a one off spectrum resource fee.
  • Set up your broadcasting service within 2 years of getting your licence. You need to be on air within 21 months or you could lose your frequency.
  • Pay an annual fee to keep your licence current. The licence is valid until 2 April 2031.

You can modify the licence parameters from those currently licensed.  You need to get an approved radio engineer to do this.  We won’t accept modifications if they substantially decrease service to the public. 

View the Sound Broadcasting Auction Catalogue for Auction 18 2019.docx [DOCX, 473 KB]

View the Sound Broadcasting Auction 18  2019 sample contract agreement [DOCX, 204 KB]

View Skylark online auctions experts(external link)

Find an approved radio engineer