The Australian government has decided to release 126 MHz of broadcasting spectrum that will be freed up by the switch from analogue to digital television. Reports suggest the government aims to auction the so-called digital dividend spectrum – comprising the frequency range 694 to 820 MHz inclusive – in the second half of 2012. The spectrum is expected to be used for LTE services. Existing operators Telstra, Optus and VHA are expected to bid. The spectrum is anticipated to be available by the end of 2013. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) meanwhile has said it intends to release a public discussion paper in the third quarter of 2010 which will ‘set out planning and allocation issues and options for new spectrum licences.’

Last month Germany became one of the first countries in Europe to redistribute digital dividend bandwidth to mobile operators in a spectrum auction. The German auctions are set to be followed by digital dividend auctions elsewhere in Europe with auctions targeted in Switzerland, France and the UK among others.