New Zealand: Vector slams top rivals for spectrum buy-up

Telco operator Vector is reportedly speaking out against New Zealand’s top mobile phone companies Telecom and Vodafone New Zealand, arguing the firms should not be allowed to acquire more spectrum should it become available.

Vector, which also operates as an electricity and gas company, is asking the Competition Commission to extend the timeline of its decision into whether the companies will be allowed to acquire one-fourth of the 4G spectrum. According to Vector, the buyout will bar potential spectrum users in the future.

Further, Vector wants the Commission to consider markets other than the telecommunications sector including energy, broadcasting and emergency services applications in its decision. The fate of the spectrum could be decided for the next two decades, reports say, should it land in the top telco firms’ hands.

Vodafone and Telecom have sought approval to acquire the spectrum should it be up for sale; there is remaining spectrum from a previous government auction, and authorities are now deciding whether to re-tender it.

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