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Different Government, different approach.
That's how Communications Minister Christ Faafoi explains the agreement reached with the Māori Spectrum Working Group for 5G spectrum to be allocated to Māori .
The short term deal will allow an auction to go ahead in the new year for the spectrum. which is needed for the next generation of faster mobile phone and data networks.
The previous Government denied Māori access to 4G spectrum,, instead setting up a $30 million fund for Māori technology projects.
Mr Faafoi says senior Māori ministers in the Government want to see some resolution to a process that had become increasingly bitter, and there were shared goals around economic development, language and digital inclusion.
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Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi Getty Images
"This is also about not wanting to increase traditional divides that have been there in health and education etc, when 5G can make a massive difference to being able to see a doctor or something like that in the future but we've got to make sure those opportunities are there for all communities and not just those that have traditionally benefited," Mr Faafoi says.
Talks will continue next year on a long term allocation model that will apply to future spectrum releases.
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