Radio spectrum auction fetches $470m

February 06, 2012

Two existing mobile network operators and a new entrant have bid for 90MHz of radio spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band at spectrum utilisation fees of $470 million, the Office of the Telecommunications Authority announced today.
         
Three existing operators and the new entrant took part in the auction which concluded after six bidding rounds.
 
The provisional successful bidders are 21 ViaNet Group, China Mobile Hong Kong Company and Hutchison Telephone Company.
     
Licences will be valid for 15 years. The licence-holders must provide mobile services coverage to a minimum of half the Hong Kong population, or fixed-services coverage to at least 200 commercial or residential buildings within five years from the licence grant.