Web spectrum bidders named

Telecom, Vodafone, Woosh, Kordia, CallPlus and Compass Communications are among the bidders for a stake of radio spectrum suitable for high-speed wireless broadband.

An online auction of spectrum in the 2.3GHz and 2.5GHz band is due to begin on December 11 with a $10,000 reserve and initial minimum bids of the same amount. Winning bidders will gain one of four segments of spectrum suitable for the nationwide deployment of WiMAX.

Bidding for spectrum suitable for WiMAX has resulted in blocks sold for in excess of $10 million overseas, however prices are not expected to go that high in New Zealand.