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- Release Date: 04/10/13 17:11
- Summary: GENERAL: TEL: Telecom registers to participate in 700MHz spectrum auction
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TEL
04/10/2013 14:11
GENERAL
REL: 1411 HRS Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited
GENERAL: TEL: Telecom registers to participate in 700MHz spectrum auction
MARKET RELEASE
4 October 2013
Telecom registers to participate in 700MHz spectrum auction
Telecom advises that it has registered as a bidder in the upcoming 700MHz
spectrum auction. Telecom's Chief Executive Simon Moutter confirmed that
Telecom would participate in the auction for nationwide spectrum rights in
the 700MHz band, expected to commence on 29 October 2013.
"In order to encourage rapid development of 4G services and deliver the
greatest benefit to consumers and the broader New Zealand economy we believe
the auction process should aim to deliver an outcome that assists investment
in a rapid and extensive rollout of 4G network services."
The 700MHz spectrum band, previously used for analogue broadcast services, is
expected to allow mobile operators to provide 4G mobile broadband services -
already being built in New Zealand's main cities - much more extensively in
New Zealand, including in less densely populated areas.
"We are already well advanced in the build of our 4G network in major urban
areas using 1800MHz spectrum, and will be launching 4G services for our
customers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch before the end of the
year. We will be announcing more details on our 4G services shortly," Mr
Moutter said.
"But 1800MHz spectrum is not particularly well suited for use outside major
urban areas. In less densely populated areas, the broader coverage range of
lower frequency spectrum enables a 4G network to be built with less cell site
infrastructure, significantly improving the network economics.
"We hope to use 700MHz spectrum as the backbone of our 4G network. If we are
successful in the auction, we will begin deploying it and bringing 4G speeds
to the rest of New Zealand as soon as we can source the handsets that can
support it. Current indications are that suitable devices will start becoming
available in mid to late calendar 2014 at the earliest."
- ENDS -
For media queries, please contact:
Richard Llewellyn
Head of Corporate Communications +64 (0) 27 523 2362
For investor relations queries, please contact:
Mark Laing
General Manager Capital Markets & Investor Relations +64 (0) 27 227 5890
End CA:00242012 For:TEL Type:GENERAL Time:2013-10-04 14:11:28
