In ACMA documents, the communications regulator said the online auction system would provide interfaces for the public, an auction manager and bidders and would likely integrate with the agency's existing systems.

Prior to the spectrum auction, a prototype of the system will be provided to ACMA staff for trials, training purposes and mock auctions prior to the actual spectrum auction.

The auction for the 700MHz spectrum, referred to as the 'Digital Dividend' by the government, is expected to take place in the second half of 2012.

According to ACMA, the allocation of spectrum licences in the 2.5GHz band may take place in the same auction.

In June last year, .