INL bid makes $11.3m splash

By PAULA OLIVER

Newspaper and magazine publisher INL surprised many and sent a buzz of excitement around the Government's radio spectrum auction yesterday, when it entered the race for third-generation (3G) spectrum.

It made an $11.3 million bid for the chunk of spectrum Vodafone had occupied since the first day of the auction, nearly three months ago.

INL managing director Mike Robson refused to comment on the company's intentions, saying "they will become clear if we are successful."

3G spectrum gives companies the chance to offer innovative features, such as video on to handsets, that will revolutionise the way people receive wireless communication.

INL appears to have the financial muscle needed to take on established telecommunications companies Vodafone, Telecom and Telstra Saturn on their own turf.

Five bidders are now pursuing the three blocks of 3G spectrum.

Other bidders greeted INL's move with open arms, some saying they hoped INL was serious and would continue to bid.

Total bids now stand at $65 million, a rapid increase from $50 million since a rule change two weeks ago.

The resurgent 3G lots total $43 million, up from $31 million just over a week ago.

Second-generation spectrum continued to attract strong bids yesterday, and the battle between Walker Wireless and Telstra Saturn again moved into 3G.