(Telecompaper) New Zealand ICT minister Amy Adams has outlined the timing, reserve price, and implementation conditions for the upcoming auction of the digital dividend radio spectrum. The 700 MHz spectrum auction is scheduled to begin on 29 October with nine lots of 2x5 MHz available for an eighteen year term. Bidders will initially be limited to acquiring a maximum of three lots each. If some lots remain unsold after the initial auction round closes, the limit may be increased to four. The reserve price for each of the lots has been set at NZD 22 million. The auction terms will provide a deferred payment option for successful bidders over five years, subject to payment of a commercial interest rate. The auction conditions also include requirements for mobile network operators to upgrade their existing rural cell sites to 4G capability within five years, and for successful bidders to continue expanding cellular coverage. Bidder registration is expected to open on 11 September.