The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has called for applications from prospective bidders to participate in the April digital dividend auction.

Commencing on 16April, ACMA will auction spectrum in the 700 MHz and 2.5 GHz bands. The digital dividend has become available as a result of the country’s mass switch from analogue to digital television services, with the switchover being fully completed by December this year.

ACMA’s Chairman, Paul Chapman, said the spectrum on offer is ideal for delivering next generation mobile telecommunication services, such as wireless 4G services.

“Australia is on the cusp of realising the very significant social and economic benefit from this valuable public asset,” Mr Chapman said.

To help prospective bidders prepare for the auction, the ACMA has published the Applicant Information Package that sets out precise details of the spectrum on offer and provides information on how the auction will be conducted.

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has directed ACMA to set the reserve price in the 700 MHz band at $1.36/MHz/pop. In the 2.5 GHz band, the ACMA has set the reserve price at $0.03/MHz/pop.

The key dates for the auction are:

  • 24 January 2013
    Prospective bidders have until this date to submit an application form, deed of acknowledgement, deed of confidentiality and pay the $25,000 application fee to participate in the auction.
  • 25 January – 27 February 2013
    The ACMA will circulate a list of auction applicants to other applicants. During this period, applicants must declare any relevant affiliations.
  • Late February to early April 2013
    The ACMA will conduct mock auctions and provide bidder tutorials to ensure that prospective bidders are familiar with using the online auction system.
  • 21 March 2013
    Applicants have until this date to submit the eligibility nomination form and pay the eligibility payment (or, alternatively, provide a deed of financial security).
  • 16 April 2013
    Auction commences.