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Future allocations of 2300 MHz & 2600 MHz spectrum
Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) is reviewing the Management Rights for 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands. Decisions on future allocations of spectrum in these bands will be informed by the outcome of the review.
On this page
Existing Management Rights for radio frequencies between 2300 – 2395 MHz and 2500 – 2690 MHz expire in 2030 and 2028 respectively. These frequencies are currently used for mobile cellular services (4G and 5G) and regional wireless services (such as regional broadband).
Management Rights in these frequencies were last allocated in 2007 on a ‘first principles’ basis. This meant that Management Rights were auctioned instead of renewing rights held by incumbents. International developments combined with decreased utilisation of rights since the 1990’s supported a first-principles allocation at the time.
More information on the 2007 allocation process
The Minister for Media and Communications intends to seek high-level Cabinet decisions on future allocations of management rights in these frequences in 2026. To support this, RSM is reviewing how the bands are used now and how they could be used in future. The review also looks at how future Management Rights should be allocated.
2300 MHz & 2600 MHz Management Rights review
Before new rights are allocated, RSM is reviewing the Management Rights to ensure:
- operators have access to spectrum to maintain the connectivity needs of users
- New Zealand users can choose and use the best wireless technologies for their needs
- spectrum is allocated in a way that enables efficient use of the spectrum – from both a technical and economic perspective
- spectrum-related industries are competitive and enable innovation and growth that supports New Zealand’s economic development.
As part of the Management Rights review, RSM is undertaking public consultation to seek feedback on:
- policy objectives
- band configuration
- approaches to allocation of spectrum
- future of non-national rights in the 2600 MHz band, and
- term of future Management Rights.
Options identified and analysed by RSM are set out in a discussion document on the consultation page linked below.
Public consultation ends on 23 January 2026.
Feedback from the consultation will inform the review and help guide Ministerial decisions on future allocations in the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz band.
Stay informed
More information on the progress of this work will be provided through the RSM Business Update.
Subscribe to our Business Update email newsletter(external link)
Please direct any questions to Radio.Spectrum@mbie.govt.nz with the subject line ‘2300 and 2600 Management Right review’.