February 21, 2013
Māori denied 4G spectrum
The Government looks set to put Māori spectrum claimants through another costly court battle with its refusal to allocate any of the digital dividend radio spectrum to Māori.
Communications Minister Amy Adams says the 700 MHz spectrum freed up by the shift to digital television will be auctioned off later this year.
She says using the spectrum for 4G or fourth generation mobile networks can generate economic benefits for New Zealand of up to $2.4 billion over the next twenty years.
Rather than giving spectrum to Māori stakeholders, the Government will investigate setting up a $30 million fund to help Māori leverage the potential benefits from new technologies, and promote and support the language and culture in a digital world.
Ms Adams says while Government recognises the importance of Māori having opportunities to participate in the ICT sector, it believes spectrum is not a tāonga so no further spectrum needs to be set aside to protect language and culture.
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