Australian carriers coughed up hundreds of millions of dollars in the recent 26GHz spectrum auction.
Five companies have won spectrum in the Australian Communications and Media Authority auction in the 26GHz band, which has been earmarked for delivery of 5G wireless broadband services.
Of the 360 lots available in the auction, 358 were sold, realising a total revenue of $647,642,100. Key bidders included Telstra, TPG and Optus.
Telstra spent $276.57 million, so it could hit 75pc population coverage for its 5G network by the end of June.
TPG Telecom stumped up AU$108 million for spectrum in all available licence areas.
Optus will pay $226 million for 800MHz in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and a “range of regional areas.” Licences won at auction will come into force later this year, for a 15-year term ending in 2036.
