2.3 GHz marketing plan released

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has developed a draft marketing plan proposing a revised technical framework (or operating conditions) for spectrum licensees in the 2.3 GHz band.

The draft plan will also allow allocation of residual, unencumbered spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band in rural and remote areas of Australia.

The revised technical framework aims to reflect technological innovation in the delivery of services to non-metropolitan areas. It provides greater flexibility for deploying a wider range of technologies than covered under the previous framework.

Existing licensees in this band have agreed to the revised technical framework and all new licences in the band will be subject to the same operating conditions.

Said Chris Chapman, ACMA chairman: "It will facilitate use of the 2.3 GHz band to provide a wide range of advanced communications services. These include 3G and 4G mobile services, wireless access services such as broadband wireless access, data transfer and the potential for remote control over plant and equipment and video surveillance."

Before allocating the residual, unencumbered spectrum in this band, ACMA is undertaking a period of public consultation on the marketing plan and is seeking comment from interested parties in relation to the suitability of the available bandwidth, the available market areas and the market area size.

ACMA has also released a discussion paper on the planned residual spectrum release.