31 Oct 2013

Spectrum leftovers could go to Maori - claimants

6:32 am on 31 October 2013

A group seeking rights to the broadcasting spectrum will campaign to be given a portion of the band that did not sell at auction.

The Government has secured winning bids from Telecom, Vodafone and part Maori-owned mobile phone company 2degrees.

However, a small block of the band that will be used to deliver faster mobile broadband remains unsold.

The Maori Spectrum Coalition has been pushing for a section of the 700 megahertz band to be awarded to Treaty partners.

The Government rejected the call and instead created a $30 million technology fund for Maori.

Coaltion spokesperson Antony Royal says the remaining 5 megahertz should be allocated to Maori.