Spectrum sale slows after brief flurry of excitement

By PAULA OLIVER

A lethargic feel returned to the Government's spectrum auction yesterday, with little bidding for second or third generation frequencies.

Pacific Retail's Nick Gordon made further bids for 2G, while Telstra Saturn moved in the afternoon round to outbid Broadcast Communications for 2G.

But 3G frequencies again failed to attract any bidders to take on the big three, Vodafone, Telstra Saturn and Telecom.

Total bids for the auction have now reached $35.7 million, still far below the Government's expectations.