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Renewal of management rights in 1800 and 2100 MHz bands
Management rights in the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands expired on 31 March 2021. These bands were used by New Zealand’s mobile network operators to provide 3G and 4G services. New management rights have been allocated in accordance with the arrangements outlined below.
Final allocation of renewed spectrum management rights from 1 April 2021
| Band | 2Degrees | Spark | Vodafone NZ | Hautaki Ltd | Reserved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 MHz | 1710-1730 MHz | 1740-1760 MHz | 1760-1785 MHz | N/A | 1730-1740 MHz* |
| 1805-1825 MHz | 1835-1855 MHz | 1855-1880 MHz | 1825-1835 MHz* | ||
| 2100 MHz | N/A | 1940-1955 MHz | 1920-1940 MHz | 1955-1970 MHz | 1970-1980 MHz |
| 2130-2145 MHz | 2110-2130 MHz | 2145-2160 MHz | 2160-2170 MHz |
*Frequencies in the 1800 MHz band are reserved specifically for use by Emergency Services in the Next Generation Critical Communications project
Partial renewal of spectrum rights
In March 2019, the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media announced that spectrum rights in the 2100 MHz and 1800 MHz bands will be partially renewed, to ensure mobile network operators can continue to provide 3G and 4G phone services.
For more detailed information, see the Minister’s press release, Cabinet Minute of Decision and Cabinet paper:
Beehive website — Press release: Spectrum rights renewed in 3G and 4G bands(external link)
Consultations — 2016 & 2018
We consulted New Zealand’s mobile network operators (MNOs) on the renewal of these bands in July 2016, and more extensively in 2018, to seek feedback on the options offered.
The options provided to the MNOs are outlined in the document below.
Renewal of Rights Options: Management Rights in 1800 & 2100 MHz [PDF, 344 KB]
To view the consultation discussion document and submissions received, see Renewal of management rights in 1800 MHz & 2100 MHz bands — consultation