Expiring spectrum licences (stage 4) – updated preliminary views on pricing

Many of the spectrum licences that underpin mobile phone services, parts of the NBN, and that support certain rail networks and television production services, are due to expire between 2028 and 2032. 

We have engaged in a consultative process to identify which options for these licences will best benefit Australians. This includes whether to renew the licences and at what price. 

We are seeking feedback on our updated benchmarking methodology for valuing the spectrum, and preliminary views on the price for renewing ESLs.  

We previously consulted on our methodology and preliminary views on price ranges for the renewal of ESLs between April and July 2025. Submissions were generally supportive of our benchmarking approach and provided feedback on the design of the methodology.  

We engaged DotEcon to conduct a peer review of our methodology and submissions. This:

• provided an external perspective on stakeholder feedback
• identified opportunities to strengthen the methodology.  

Based on this feedback, we have simplified our pricing methodology for ESL valuations to enhance transparency, consistency and robustness. 

The refinements to the methodology led to updated preliminary prices for each band. This is outlined in the consultation paper above.

Click on the ‘Upload submission’ button at the top of this page to send us your views. Details for submissions by post are in the consultation paper.

We welcome your feedback by 5 pm (AEDT) on Friday 27 February 2026.