Coalition homes in on 5G mobile network

Limits are being placed on bidders competing to roll out Australia's new 5G network to prevent them from hogging too much of the mobile spectrum.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said the new auction restraints in the 3.6 gigahertz band would make sure telecommunications companies competed, while ensuring the finite mobile frequencies, known as spectrum, are put to high-value use.

"The next generation of mobile services, 5G, will deliver significantly faster mobile data speeds and allow for millions of new devices to connect," he said in a statement on Wednesday.