Australia’s A$7.32 Billion Spectrum Sale Raises Questions for Phone Bills
Australia’s communications regulator has set a preferred price of A$7.32 billion for renewing major mobile and fixed-wireless spectrum licences, sticking with higher fees despite efforts by Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom to get them cut. The move keeps the debate alive over the cost of airwaves, with the focus shifting to phone bills, network spending and how telcos compete. Telstra, Optus, TPG and NBN Co own the licences supporting fixed wireless broadband and over 30 million mobile services, according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Spectrum covers the radio frequencies used for mobile and wireless internet. Fixed wireless broadband gives homes and businesses internet through radio, not cables.