Spectrum allocation limits released for 5G

A 1 GHz allocation limit has been announced for spectrum in the 26 GHz band.

The Government has today issued a direction to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to impose a 1 GHz allocation limit for spectrum licences in the 26 GHz band. ACMA is preparing to allocate these licences in an auction expected to commence in late March 2021.

The auction will allow network operators to acquire the spectrum needed to deploy millimetre wave (mmWave) 5G mobile networks and other modern telecommunications services.

The direction made by the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, means that the 26 GHz spectrum cannot be monopolised by any one carrier, and provides multiple carriers with the opportunity to acquire enough spectrum to deliver effective and competitive 5G services in the future.

ACMA is also planning to issue apparatus licences in portions of the 26 and 28 GHz mmWave spectrum and will consider the Government’s communication policy objectives for the allocation of the 26 GHz band in the allocation of these licences.

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