Media Release Issued 18 January 2008/no 93
Vodafone applies for clearance to acquire radio spectrum management rights
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Vodafone Mobile NZ Limited (Vodafone) seeking clearance in
relation to radio spectrum frequencies. Vodafone are seeking clearance to acquire the management rights from the New
Zealand Government for the radio frequency range between 899.8 and 915 MHz, together with the corresponding natural pair
management rights in the 944.8 – 960 MHz range.
The relevant spectrum is for convenience called 900 MHz. Vodafone currently holds management rights to this 900 MHz
radio spectrum, along with radio spectrum management rights in a number of other bands. Vodafone uses its 900 MHz
spectrum with its 1800 MHz frequencies (subject to different management rights) to provide its current GSM mobile
services.
Existing rights to the 900 MHz radio spectrum (the first of which were granted in the early 1990s) are due to expire in
2011 and 2012. On 9 November 2007, the Ministry of Economic Development, on behalf of the New Zealand Government, made
an offer to Vodafone for the renewal of its 900 MHz management rights for a further 20 years. In considering the
application, the Commission’s role is to determine whether the acquisition has the effect of substantially lessening
competition in a market.
A public version of the application will shortly be available on the Commission’s website www.comcom.govt.nz under
Public Registers.
ENDS