Spectrum auction up to $145m

The Australia Communications Authority (ACA) yesterday stepped up the pace of the 1.8 Ghz spectrum auction with the introduction of four rounds per day.

At the close of day seven, the ACA had raised more than $145 million from telecommunication players bidding for their share of the spectrum lots available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Ian Hayne, ACA manager for spectrum marketing said the ACA is "very happy" with the progress of the auction, but expects it to be sometime before bidding concludes.

"There is still plenty of activity [surrounding the lots] available in Sydney and Melbourne," Hayne said.

Yesterday, OneTel continued its push to acquire additional spectrum, bidding $8 million each for several lots in Sydney and $5.8 million each of a number of lots in Melbourne.

According to the ACA this was a "substantial increase over minimum bids".

Meanwhile, Hayne said the move from two to four rounds a day is normal practice once participants are up to speed with the auction.

Bidders for the spectrum which is expected to be used for mobile services are Telstra, OneTel, Hutchison Telecommuncations, Cable & Wireless Optus, Primus Telecommunications and Vodafone.