The Australian government is set to raise AU$3 billion (US$3.2 billion) from the reissue of mobile licences to existing operators, Telstra, Optus, Vodafone Hutchison Australia and vividwireless.

In a statement, Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, said that the move “will provide certainty about the continuity and operation of mobile and wireless communications networks.”

It was said the decision to reissue the permits had been made after a “careful evaluation” of how the public interest is served, as well as “identifying appropriate pricing for renewed spectrum.”

In a statement, Conroy noted: “I have carefully considered input from all interested stakeholders and have made a final pricing direction on the value of this spectrum. The prices in the direction draw on economic analysis, discussion with industry and public consultation, and reflect the value of each band of spectrum.”

According to Bloomberg, the income expected by the government compares with recent auctions of 800MHz spectrum in France, Italy and Germany – despite the European countries having significantly larger populations. However, the price for the 800MHz spectrum being offered in Australia is 16 percent lower than suggested in an earlier draft document.

The Australian government issued licences in the 1990s valid for 15 years, which are due to expire between 2013 and 2017. It held a consultation on its plans before making the current decision.