A battle is looming between Maori and the Government about control of telecommunications frequencies, and the Maori Council says it is entitled to 100% of new, fourth generation spectrum.
Following an unsuccessful bid for control of the 3G spectrum, which ended in a cash grant and the right to buy spectrum at a discount, the Maori Council now wants control of 4G.
4G spectrum would assist delivery of ultra fast broadband and multi media services. It would allow synergy between the internet and high definition television, among other uses.
Under Article Two of the Treaty of Waitangi, the council says the Waitangi Tribunal has ruled spectrum is a taonga, or treasure, making it Maori property. However, successive Governments have argued spectrum is not a taonga, as it was unknown when the Treaty was signed.
IT and Communications Minister Steven Joyce says the Government is highly unlikely to treat it as a taonga.
Vodafone and Telecom have just offered a combined sum of $106 million for 20 years of 2G and 3G spectrum covering 30 megaherz.
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