Updating Australia’s spectrum management framework

The Government is consulting on targeted amendments to the Radiocommunications Act.

The Government is calling for public submissions on targeted amendments to modernise Australia's spectrum management framework.

Spectrum is a finite resource that is essential in today's digitally-networked economy.

Management of spectrum is legislated under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act). However, the technological landscape has changed significantly since the Act was first introduced.

In October 2019, the Government committed to developing a set of targeted amendments.

The proposed amendments include:

  • Clarifying the object of the Act, and the roles of the Minister and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
  • Streamlining the spectrum allocation and re-allocation processes
  • Improving flexibility and reducing regulatory barriers between licence types
  • Better reflecting modern spectrum needs and supply chains, and
  • Introducing a modernised compliance and enforcement regime.

Interested stakeholders are encouraged to have their say on these reforms.

Find out more