Australia's 3G Auctions - Vodafone Leads Natl Bid

date: 19th March 2001

Bids for Australian third generation spectrum telecommunications licenses totaled A$1.07 billion after the third day of bidding. So far, there have been eight rounds of the auction.

The three highest total bids have come from Australia's dominant mobile telephone companies, Telstra, Cable & Wireless Optus and Vodafone Group PLC.

Telstra has bid A$213.25 million, Optus A$241.1 million, and Vodafone A$252.8 million. Each of the bids is for national coverage.

Hutchison Telecommunications is also in the bidding, with total bids amounting to A$196.1 million. It has placed bids on spectrum that covers Australia's eight major cities.

Likewise, 3G Investments (Australia) Pty. Ltd. has bids totaling A$159 million for a footprint in Australia's eight major cities.

Minor bidder CKW Wireless Pty. Ltd. has bid A47.95 million.