Vodafone Unit To Bid For 3G Spectrum In Australia

date: 09th February 2001

Vodafone Australia, a unit of Vodafone Group PLC, said Friday it has lodged a formal application to participate in the government's auction of third generation spectrum.

The government has tendered for bids for 3G spectrum, through which it hopes to raise over A$2 billion in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001. In total, it has budgeted to raise A$2.6 billion this year from all spectrum auctions.

The decision to bid for 3G is consistent with the parent company's strategy to become a global mobile multimedia company, Vodafone Australia said in a statement.

"At the right price, the two gigahertz auction will provide an efficient and more cost effective means of delivering the best of global innovation to our customers," said Andrew Bissex, managing director of Vodafone Australia.

Late Thursday, Vodafone Pacific said it has made a bid for Cable & Wireless Optus Ltd. that will involve, if successful, the transfer of mobile customers to Hutchison Telecommunications Ltd. lifting its existing customer base to over one million subscribers.

Hutchison Telecommunications, controlled by Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. of Hong Kong, said Thursday it will also bid for 3G spectrum in Australia.

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