The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has today released its preliminary views on options for the future use of spectrum licences that support communications services across Australia.
The licences are due to expire between 2028 and 2032 and are primarily allocated to telcos to deliver mobile phone and internet services, while others are used for communications for running railway networks or facilitating outside broadcasts by Australian broadcasters.
ACMA Deputy Chair Adam Suckling said the views published today lay out the agency’s proposal to ensure the greatest benefit to the community through the future use of the spectrum.
“The considerations are complex, but the long-term public interest guides our thinking. That means keeping in focus every Australian who uses a mobile phone, catches a train, or relies on free-to-air news, including for information on natural disasters such as the recent Cyclone Alfred.”
The ACMA’s preliminary views on key aspects of the expiring spectrum licence process include that most licenses for wide-area wireless broadband should be renewed, as they continue to promote the long-term public interest.
This includes fixed wireless networks operated by NBN Co, mostly used to provide services to consumers in outer-metropolitan and regional areas.
The ACMA is also seeking further information from Telstra and the industry more broadly on the long-term use of 2.3 GHz licences for private networks in remote areas, and tackling inefficiencies in the 3.4 GHz band, used for network capacity and fixed wireless.
The ACMA supports the continued use of national licences but will separately explore opportunities to address demand from smaller players interested in providing localised wide area wireless broadband services.
“We want to see further innovation in smaller markets. While that is possible under current licensing arrangements, it is just not happening, so we want to remove any impediments,” Mr Suckling said.
The ACMA is currently seeking feedback on its preliminary views from stakeholders and the public before finalising the policy framework, which will be used for future licence renewal application processes.
“This consultation is an important milestone in our approach to expiring spectrum licences. These licences will significantly shape the future of Australia’s telecommunications landscape, so it’s important we include as many views in the decision-making process as we can,” said Mr Suckling.