The 26 GHz band (24.25–27.5 GHz) has been identified internationally, and by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), as one of the first millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum bands capable of supporting 5G wireless broadband services. The important characteristic of mmWave spectrum is that it allows for extremely fast, high capacity broadband services, which will be necessary to facilitate future technological innovation in Australia.
On 23 April 2021 ACMA announced the outcomes of the 26 GHz spectrum auction. Five bidders were successful in securing 15 year licences across the 2.4 GHz of spectrum available in the auction. Spectrum licences were available in 27 defined geographic areas covering towns or cities with a population over 50,000 as well as small towns or cities, which, due to them being holiday centres or having university campuses, are expected to require the deployment of high-density wireless broadband services.
Find out more
- Communications Policy Objectives for the Allocation of the 26 GHz band
- Coexistence of terrestrial and satellite services at 26 GHz
- Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation—26 GHz Band) Declaration
- Spectrum allocation limits released for 5G
- Instalment payments for 26 GHz spectrum to support 5G
- visit the 26 GHz band on the ACMA website
- Australia's first millimetre wave auction concludes