Two public consultations on arrangements for the assignment of spectrum in the 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands and the re-assignment of spectrum in the 850 MHz band as well as the spectrum utilisation fee for the provision of public mobile services were launched today.

The Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development and the Communications Authority jointly launched the consultations to seek views by September 15.

A total of 155 MHz of spectrum in the sub-1 GHz band has been proposed to be made available to the industry.

It includes 70 MHz of spectrum in each of the 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands made possible after switching off analogue television services on November 30 and the subsequent migration of digital television channels as well as 15 MHz of spectrum in the 850 MHz band due for re-assignment in November 2023.

The 85 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz and the 850 MHz bands can be deployed in both indoor and outdoor locations for the provision of public mobile services while the 70 MHz of spectrum in the 600 MHz band is designated for indoor use to enhance the mobile services provided at indoor hotspots such as shopping malls and confined areas like premises inside the Mass Transit Railway.

The authority said the superb radio propagation characteristics of the sub-1 GHz band spectrum enable operators to enhance mobile coverage in both indoor and outdoor areas in a very cost-effective manner and also support the Internet of Things and other 5G applications.

As there will likely be competing demands for the spectrum, it is proposed they be assigned through auctions.

As for the related spectrum utilisation fee, similar to other spectrums assigned for public mobile services where there are competing demands, it should reflect the full market value.

The fee will be determined through auction with the reserve prices to be set by the Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development.

The bureau said auctioning the spectrum will ensure that such a scarce public resource can be put into the hands of those who value it most and will consequently put it to the most efficient use for the benefit of the public.

After taking into account the views and comments received, the bureau and the authority aim to make their decisions in the first quarter of 2021.

Click here for the consultation paper on the 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands and here for the paper on the 850 MHz band.