25 October 2010
More spectrum released to improve mobile telecommunications in regional and remote Australia
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has completed licensing for spectrum for mobile telecommunications services at more than two thousand sites throughout regional and remote Australia.
The ACMA called for applications for licences in the 2 GHz band in May 2010 and issued licences for 963 sites to Optus in August. The ACMA has now issued licences for 1401 sites to Telstra.
‘This is an excellent outcome for regional and remote communities, and demonstrates a heartening level of demand from industry for additional spectrum to service those communities,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman.
The 2 GHz band is used by mobile carriers to provide third generation (3G) mobile services. Further information about the sites where licences have been issued can be found on the ACMA’s website.
The ACMA will now accept applications for additional licences in the 2 GHz band in regional and remote areas of Australia via an over the counter administrative process.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Donald Robertson, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980, 0418 86 1766 or media@acma.gov.au.
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The ACMA is Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications. The ACMA’s strategic intent is to make communications and media work in Australia’s public interest. For more information: www.acma.gov.au.
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