Plans to allocate a number of new area-wide licences (AWLs) which would accommodate more local area mobile broadband services in metropolitan, regional and remote areas have been announced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
In launching a consultation on its plans, the regulator revealed it is proposing to carry out two spectrum allocation processes: one in the 3.4GHz-4.0GHz band in remote areas; and one in the 3.8GHz band in metro and regional areas. The ACMA has suggested that spectrum in the aforementioned bands is considered ideal for the delivery of mobile broadband services including 5G, private networks and ‘other technologies’ with the available AWLs reportedly allowing for area-specific use. As such, the watchdog has said it expects the licences will be taken up by ‘providers of wireless internet services, or for private networks run by organisations such as tertiary institutions, hospitals, mining operators or public transport hubs’.
Applications from any party interested in applying for an AWL in remote areas in the 3.4GHz-4.0GHz band to support the deployment of services are already being accepted by the ACMA. Meanwhile, for accessing area wide licences in metropolitan and regional areas, the regulator has said it will initially consult on the proposed allocation arrangements for the 3.8GHz band, looking at issues such as pricing, licence tenure and renewal, technical requirements and allocation limits. That consultation will run until 1 August 2023.