Consultation will provide guidance to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) as it manages its processes for spectrum licences due to expire between 2028-2032.
Spectrum is a critical and finite resource, and decisions about the future use of spectrum included in the expiring spectrum licence (ESL) process will have long term impacts for the Australian communications sector.
These ESLs span a number of frequency bands and are used for a diverse range of applications, including mobile and fixed wireless broadband, rail safety and communications and electronic news gathering.
The draft MPS is specifically targeted to the spectrum currently used for mobile and fixed wireless broadband. While the MPS is not intended to apply to spectrum licences currently being used for broadcast services and rail safety and communications, these licences would still be subject to ACMA’s comprehensive process and public interest criteria.
The draft MPS sets out 5 key communications policy objectives that the ACMA must have regard to in designing and enacting its process to manage the ESLs, including:
- supporting service continuity for consumers, particularly where no alternative service is available;
- facilitating opportunities for new entrants and use cases, including for low earth orbit satellites;
- connectivity and investment in regional areas to deliver improved services to end users;
- promote competition; and
- capacity for sustained investment and innovation.
Public consultation will end at 5pm on 12 April 2024. To provide input, upload your submission to https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/ministerial-policy-statement-expiring-spectrum-licences or email spectrum@infrastructure.gov.au.
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