Spectrum reallocation brings 5G closer to reality in Australia

More spectrum will be made available for spectrum licensing, bringing 5G mobile broadband services a step closer for Australia.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is preparing to reallocate spectrum in the 3.6 GHz band, and to move to more efficient arrangements in the 900 MHz band for advanced mobile broadband technologies.

“The 3.6 GHz band is being looked at internationally as a pioneer band for 5G mobile broadband. We want to make sure Australia is well placed to realise the benefits 5G has to offer,” said ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin.

“Enabling 5G services to commence in this band also fulfils a key commitment in the government’s recent directions paper, 5G – Enabling the future economy.”

ACMA has undertaken extensive consultations on the future of the 3.6 GHz band and considered the circumstances of current users and aspirant licensees in determining the proposed arrangements for this reallocation.

“Now that 2G services have been or are being switched off, the ACMA is also keen to re-farm the 900 MHz GSM band and optimise its utility for newer generation mobile broadband services, such as 4G. We propose to do this over a number of years to avoid disruption of existing services. We also plan to make available additional spectrum already planned for reallocation to mobile broadband in the 850 MHz band,” said O’Loughlin.

The reviews of the 3.6 GHz and 900 MHz bands have been key priorities for the ACMA and form a key part of its future work priorities, outlined in the ‘Five-year spectrum outlook 2017–21’ (the FYSO).

Highlights of the FYSO include:

• for the first time, detailed information about the ACMA’s forward work plan for spectrum allocations, in the form of possible scenarios for auction timing and sequencing;
• an outline of the ACMA’s proposed Spectrum Review implementation activities, intended to be co-designed with industry;
• a proposed approach to the development of future annual spectrum work programs, including planned public consultation prior to their finalisation.

ACMA is using this year’s FYSO to start a broader conversation with spectrum users about its spectrum work priorities. One of the first opportunities for industry to express their views is at the RadComms conference on 1–2 November.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/sacura14

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