  
5. Government makes wireless broadband spectrum availableThe government has announced licensing proposals for Crown-managed spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band, which is suitable for wireless broadband services. The spectrum is expected to help meet Project PROBE requirements, as well as supporting other regional and community-based broadband projects. The spectrum will be managed by the Ministry of Economic Development and consists of two management right pairs retained from Auction 5 in 2002, in which 9 further 3.5 GHz management right pairs were auctioned. Under the allocation proposals, the Ministry would invite applications for spectrum licences within the Crown-retained blocks in a number of allocation rounds. Applications may be lodged at any time, but applications received after the closing date for an allocation round would be processed in the next published allocation round. Restrictions on use and eligibility are proposed to promote use of the spectrum in accordance with the government's objectives and a process is proposed for dealing with competing applications, such as where two or more applications have overlapping coverage areas. The spectrum licences will be available on a commercial basis, with a charge based on the auction prices of management rights in the 3.5 GHz band, and are likely to be subject to implementation requirements. Full details of the allocation proposals are available at: http://www.med.govt.nz/rsm/spp/fixed-wireless-access
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