Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, TPG and NBN fork out $92 million on mobile spectrum

Australia's largest telecommunications network operators have forked out a collective $92.6 million to snap up mobile spectrum in the Australian Communication & Media Authorities' latest spectrum auction.

Telstra was far and away the biggest spender, splashing $72.5 million on 17 separate spectrum lots. The biggest purchase was for a 3.4 GHz lot in Brisbane for $50 million, which Telstra indicated would underpin its incoming 5G network in the Queensland capital.

We’re pleased with the outcome of the auction," a Telstra spokesperson said. "The additional spectrum we have secured will mean we can continue to deliver the best experience for our customers and meet the ever growing demand for data.

"Our investment of $72.5 million in this auction, together with more than $3.4 billion we have invested over the past 15 years in acquiring our wireless spectrum portfolio, underpins Telstra’s ability to support more customers and more traffic on Australia’s largest mobile network."

Telstra's other purchases include a lot of 1800MHz in Marybrough for $4.3 million, a 2GHz lot in Canberra for $2.1 million, six 2GHz lots, five 2.3GHz lots and four 3.4GHz lots.

The next biggest spend was Vodafone with $7.2 million, buying a 1800MHz lot in regional WA and two lots of 2GHz spectrum in Darwin and Hobart.

Optus spent $6.5 million on four lots, including 3.4GHz spectrum in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney.

TPG, which plans to launch its own mobile network in 2018, spent $2.3 million for two 1800MHz lots in Mackay and Tasmania. Earlier this year, TPG spent $1.26 billion to buy 700MHz spectrum in preparation to become Australia's fourth mobile network operator, joining Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

NBN Co, which uses the 3.4GHz spectrum for its fixed wireless services, spent $4 million for three lots of 2.3GHz spectrum and two lots of 3.4GHz spectrum in Hobart and Launceston.

"There was good competition across the 1800MHz, 2GHz, 2.3GHz and 3.4GHz bands," said ACMA chair Nerida O'Loughlin. "The additional spectrum will mean improved services and greater choice for consumers in those areas where lots have been allocated."