Jochen Zenthöfer is the spokesperson for an international initiative called Save Our Spectrum (SOS), which aims to preserve spectrum for use by the media and cultural organisations.
For example, when theatre actors or arena rockstars sing, wireless microphone spectrum is used to communicate that sound to speakers and the audience.
“Prices at spectrum auctions have dropped internationally. There is less revenue,” he says.
“One reason is that the telecommunications companies no longer have as much money.”
As a result, Germany, for example, no longer holds auctions.
But in return for rolling over the spectrum licences, regulations force telecommunications companies to expand their network: for example, improving the strength of coverage in rural areas.
“In principle, however, auctions are a very good way of allocating frequencies,” he notes.
Dr Zenthöfer says Australia is lucky: as an island, it has no land borders and can control its own system and spectrum allocation.
But if ACMA chooses to roll over the licences, it should not be without conditions.
“I would include an inflation clause in the sum so that there are benefits [to taxpayers] if inflation rises in the next few years,” he adds.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-02/govt-agency-proposes-gifting-optus-telstra-spectrum/105398196
