Media release: 12 June 2007
WiMAX spectrum auction will ensure broadband competition - Woosh
Woosh Wireless Ltd believes that the Government's plans to auction six blocks of WiMAX spectrum (2.3 and 2.5 bands) will
ensure the emergence of true infrastructure competition in broadband.
Woosh Wireless, the current leader in Wireless broadband and phone services in New Zealand, are well positioned to take
advantage of the WiMAX spectrum auction to be held in December 2007.
The auction rules due for release in August will likely see 6 blocks of spectrum available, preventing large players
from using market power to shut out new entrants.
Woosh applauds the Governments decision to ensure that no single player will be able to buy more than one 30 MHz block
of spectrum, thereby ensuring competition.
Woosh believes the success of the auction and the eventual success of the operators that take up the WiMax opportunity
will depend on the fine-tuning of the auction rules. Specific provisions Woosh is seeking include a time bar on the 30
MHz acquisition limit after which spectrum licences could be traded and/or consolidated on a secondary market provided
competition guidelines are met.
“We believe this would ensure spectrum rights are used effectively,” Chairman, Rod Inglis said. “Consolidation of blocks
may be required to ensure viable networks are built that meet customers growing demand for bandwidth. Everyone is keen
to see a competitive network built and we hope that the final provisions of the spectrum auction help facilitate this.”
Woosh is well positioned to take advantage of WiMAX spectrum with its network of 150 cell sites and transmission network
in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and the Southland Region as well as an existing customer base of over 32,000
subscribers.
In addition, Woosh has accumulated spectrum in the 2.3 band and has been working with the MED to ensure that this
spectrum can be put to good use. Woosh is in a position to quickly fund and build the network to provide exciting new
WiMAX services to customers.
ENDS