The $4bn digital dividend

Later this year the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will auction off some of the spectrum facilitated by the digital TV switchover. On Twisted Wire we look at how it will be sold, who will bid and how much they can expect to pay.

The auction will include spectrum in the 700MHz and 2.5GHz range. Kursten Leins, general manager of Strategic Marketing at Ericsson, joins me to explain how these ranges provide complementary needs for mobile providers.

Jane Cole, manager of the Major Spectrum Allocations Section at ACMA, talks about how the use of a combinational clock auction approach will ensure the most efficient use of the available spectrum.

As to how much it will all make, Chris Coughlan, director of Research Consulting at Telsyte, is prepared to have a stab at it. He puts a $4 billion figure on it. We discuss who will be the bidders — will it be a three-horse or two-horse race?

Next week we'll look at the renewal of existing spectrum. How was it priced and who wins? Add your comments in advance by leaving a message on the Twisted Wire feedback line: (02) 9304 5198.

Running time: 28 minutes, 52 seconds