After weeks of intense bidding, Taiwan’s government has raised a total NT$118.6bn (US$4.031bn) in the country’s hotly-contested 4G auction. This is more than three times the targeted revenues.
Six companies have won 4G mobile spectrum licences, said…
After weeks of intense bidding, Taiwan’s government has raised a total NT$118.6bn (US$4.031bn) in the country’s hotly-contested 4G auction. This is more than three times the targeted revenues.
Six companies have won 4G mobile spectrum licences, said the National Communications Commission, with local operators Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone, and Asia Pacific Telecom confirmed as successful bidders.
Handset maker Foxconn Technology Group is also among the winners.
Foxconn is the main manufacturer of iPads and iPhones but its revenues from PC and phone manufacturing have reportedly been slowing down – hence its attempt to diversify its activities by entering the services sector.
Foxconn was not immediately available for comment.
The frequencies in the 700 MHz band auctioned off were previously utilised by the military. The spectrum has been allocated alongside frequencies in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz, used for 2G operations.
The government was previously expected to wait until July 2015 to issue those licences because it was planning to retrieve some 2G spectrum that expires in June 2015.
By bringing forward the date for the issuance of licences, the government is reportedly hoping to catch up with South Korea, where 4G services are being rolled out. Although the mobile penetration level is above 100% in Taiwan, only 3G services are currently available to customers.
Meanwhile, China is also gearing up for a 4G auction with the information technology ministry recently saying that it is preparing for the release of licences.
