ACMA is consulting on refarming the 890–915/935–960 MHz band from 2G (GSM) networks to 3G and LTE, in light of Optus, Telstra and Vodafone's commitment to shut down their 2G networks. Optus, Telstra and Vodafone currently hold paired 8.4, 8.4, and 8.2 MHz apparatus licences respectively. ACMA has said "the band… Read more...

The Australian regulator has launched a consultation on the draft allocation decisions for the 700 MHz spectrum band auction, revealing the proposed entry fee (A$10,000), lot configuration and auction methodology. Both lots available will be nationwide. The 2 x 10 MHz lot will consist of 738-748 MHz paired with 793-803… Read more...

The Australian regulator is inviting comments on its "Five-year spectrum outlook", which includes a work plan for the current financial year, an update on the mobile broadband program and planning for significant technology developments out to 2020—such as 5G, dynamic spectrum access (DSA) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Questions… Read more...

The Australian regulator has launched a consultation on whether the 1427-1518 MHz and the 3575-3700 MHz bands should be moved forward to the "preliminary re-planning stage" of ACMA's process for considering additional spectrum for mobile broadband. Currently, they are part of the regulator's "initial investigation stage". The bands are currently… Read more...

ACMA has published a discussion document on proposed changes to its Radiofrequency Plan, which was last updated in 2013. According to ACMA, in addition to reflecting updated international arrangements, changes proposed to the Spectrum Plan include: updates reflecting domestic changes that have occurred over the past four years;correction of a… Read more...

The Australian government is consulting on an offer from Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) to acquire 2 x 10 MHz of the 700 MHz digital dividend spectrum left unsold after the country's auction in 2013. The government says the terms of the proposal "are consistent with the government's spectrum policy objectives,… Read more...

The Department of Communications and the Arts in Australia would like views on their plans to revise the country's Radiocommunications Act. The government is proposing to make the following changes: simplify regulatory structures for planning, licensing and equipment regulationstreamline regulatory processes, particularly for allocating licencesclarify the role for Government, the… Read more...

Australian regulator the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is seeking comments for its proposed changes to the 2 GHz technical framework. Some of the changes proposed include: aligning the licence conditions with international standards for mobile technologies such as LTE.updating emissions limits of the licence so that it is… Read more...

The Australian government is seeking comment on its just-released green paper on how to best utilise the digital dividend spectrum freed up by the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting. The government is looking for comments on potential uses of the spectrum,the benefits these uses could provide, and the cost… Read more...

As part of its move towards spectrum-efficient technologies, the Australian regulator is consulting on its proposals to allow mobile operators to deploy femtocells using existing apparatus licences which authorise use of  specific devices.  Femtocells have been deployed in spectrum-licensed areas, usually covering urban areas, at 2.1 GHz since 2011. The… Read more...