ACMA seeks digital dividend views

The ACMA is seeking views on the configuration and allocation of ‘digital dividend’ spectrum. It has released a discussion paper seeking comment on technical and policy issues associated with the reallocations of this spectrum.

Digital dividend (or 700 MHz band) spectrum will become available for reassignment to new licencees and uses as Australia completes its transition to digital television. The first step, digital switchover, is already happening across the country and involves turning off the analog TV signal. This is expected to be finalised nationally by the end of 2013.

In the next step, frequency channels used for digital broadcasting will be reorganised or ‘restacked’ so that a continuous block of spectrum - the digital dividend - can be created for re-use. The ACMA and the free-to-air TV industry are working closely to complete these two important steps towards yielding the benefits from digital dividend spectrum.

The discussion paper provides both a roadmap setting out the ACMA’s planned process for reallocating the digital dividend and also identifies key issues that will shape the configuration and allocation of the band.

Elements that the ACMA is seeking comment on include the appropriate configuration of spectrum and guard bands to accommodate new licencees; when and where the spectrum should become available; as well as suitable spectrum licence conditions and auction arrangements.

Uses of the digital dividend are expected to include advanced wireless broadband services that would greatly improve the capacity of mobile phone services to carry broadband data. The demand for wireless broadband has started to grow rapidly in recent years. There are widespread industry expectations that this trend will continue, especially with the growing popularity of smart phones and other mobile computing devices.

The closing date for submissions is Monday 6 December 2010.