Views are being sought on a proposal to release the radio frequency spectrum in the 850 MHz frequency band through a public auction for the provision of a mobile service using the CDMA2000 standard.

The Office of the Telecommunications Authority said the frequency assignment for the existing CDMA licensee will expire on November 20, 2008, adding it has the responsibility to ensure the continued availability of the CDMA mobile service.

Under the proposal, a block of frequencies from 825-835 MHz paired with 870-880 MHz, i.e. a maximum of 20 MHz of radio frequency spectrum, will be made available for a single new licence to enable the provision of the CDMA2000 mobile service.

The new licence will be subject to the payment of a one-off Spectrum Utilisation Fee, the amount of which will be determined through a public auction. Incumbent licensees will be permitted to take part.