Telstra buys spectrum for mobile broadband

Telstra has bolstered its Next G network with 2.1 GHz spectrum licenses for 1,400 base stations within months of rival Optus licensing similar spectrum assets.

The incumbent said it would use the new spectrum to bolster its wireless broadband services in regional and rural centres.

Among those set to benefit were residents of Hervey Bay (Queensland), Shepparton (Victoria), Forbes (NSW) and Mount Gambier (South Australia), according to Telstra.

Telstra's chief operations officer Michael Rocca said that half of data traffic on the Next G network was being "driven by regional and remote users".

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said it had issued licenses for "more than two thousand sites throughout regional and remote Australia".

"The ACMA will now accept applications for additional licences in the 2 GHz band in regional and remote areas of Australia via an over the counter administrative process," it said.

Optus bought spectrum licenses for 963 base stations in July.