Cellular Spectrum Transfers Announced

Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce has announced the completion of two cellular spectrum transfers.

Vodafone and the Crown have completed a settlement process for Vodafone to renew rights to 900 MHz spectrum it uses to provide cellular services. In addition, the Crown has swapped some spectrum with the anticipated new entrant to the mobile market, NZ Communications.

The swap of two 4-MHz portions of 800/900 MHz spectrum between the Crown and NZ Communications came about following discussions with all the mobile operators. The swap gives NZ Communications the bandwidth it needs to invest in both second generation and third generation networks. The government also has the opportunity to free up its spectrum for other users and is now working on allocation options.

As part of the swap, Telecom and NZ Communications agreed to manage their
adjacent spectrum holdings so as to prevent any potential radio interference issues.

For more information on the renewal of cellular spectrum rights, see our website.