Proposed changes to the 1800 MHz technical framework
Consultation on the changes to the 1800 MHz technical framework is now completed
The ACMA has finalised its consultation on the updated technical framework for the 1800 MHz band. The existing spectrum licences in the 1800 MHz band will expire in two tranches. The first tranche will expire on 17 June 2013, and the second on 3 May 2015. The ACMA intends to apply the revised technical framework to all spectrum licences in the 1800 MHz band from the 18 June 2013 onwards, irrespective of the date of expiry of each licence.
Information about expiring spectrum licences is available on the ACMA website.
Submissions received
The ACMA received two submissions in response to the consultation paper Proposed changes to the 1800 MHz technical framework. The submissions are available below:
Submissions received in response to the consultation paper and earlier participation in a Technical Liaison Group (TLG) indicated that stakeholders were supportive of the proposed changes to the technical framework. However, further minor clarifications were sought on managing interference from high sited transmitters operating in the 1800 MHz lower band. There was also some concern raised about the use of Mobile Communications Systems On-board Aircraft and the text associated with the purpose of the cellular radio frequency management unit.
Regulatory instruments for the updated 1800 MHz technical framework
The regulatory instruments that make up the revised 1800 MHz technical framework are:
- Radiocommunications (Unacceptable levels of interference – 1800 MHz band) Determination 2012
- Radiocommunications Advisory Guidelines (Managing Interference to spectrum licensed receivers – 1800 MHz Band) 2012
- Radiocommunications Advisory Guidelines (Managing Interference from spectrum licensed transmitters – 1800 MHz Band) 2012
- Radiocommunications Advisory Guidelines (Additional device boundary criteria – 1800 MHz Band) 2012
Background
In 2011, the ACMA established a TLG to assist in the review of the spectrum licence technical framework for the 1800 MHz band. The TLG proposed changes to the core conditions and technical instruments underpinning the technical framework for spectrum licences operating in the 1800 MHz band. These changes include:
- Revising the core conditions of the spectrum licence to allow for the operation of new or emerging technologies across the next licence period;
- Revising the Unacceptable Levels of Interference Determination for the 1800 MHz band made under section 145(4) of the Radiocommunications Act; and
- Revising three of the Radiocommunications Advisory Guidelines for the 1800 MHz band made under section 262 of the Radiocommunications Act.
The proposed changes are evolutionary and will ensure the technical framework provides increased flexibility and greater spectrum utility across the next 15 year spectrum licence period.
The consultation paper and related legislative instruments that were proposed to be amended following the outcomes of the ACMA’s consultation processes are available below:
| Document | Word | |
|---|---|---|
|
Consultation paper - Expiring spectrum licences—technical framework for the 1800 MHz band |
3.8 mb | 740 kb |
|
Attachment A – Draft spectrum licence |
63 kb | 456 kb |
|
Attachment B - Draft section 145 Determination |
131 kb | 1 mb |
|
Attachment C - Draft RAG – Managing interference from spectrum licensed transmitters |
83 kb | 333 kb |
|
Attachment D - Draft RAG – Managing interference to spectrum licensed receivers |
47 kb | 508 kb |
|
Attachment E – Draft RAG – Additional device boundary criteria |
52 kb | 264 kb |
The closing date for submissions in response to this consultation paper was 27 July 2012.
Media enquiries should be directed to Emma Rossi on +61 2 9334 7980 or by email to media@acma.gov.au.
Effective consultation
The ACMA is working to enhance the effectiveness of its stakeholder consultation processes, which are an important source of evidence for its regulatory development activities. To assist stakeholders in formulating submissions to its formal written consultation processes, it has developed Effective consultation: A guide to making a submission. This guide provides information about the ACMA's formal written public consultation processes and practical guidance on how to make a submission.
Publication of submissions
In general, the ACMA publishes all submissions it receives. The ACMA prefers to receive submissions that are not confidential. However, the ACMA accepts that a submitter may sometimes wish to provide information in confidence. In these circumstances, submitters are asked to identify the material over which confidentiality is claimed and provide a written explanation for the claim.
The ACMA will consider each confidentiality claim on a case-by-case basis. If the ACMA accepts a claim, it will not publish the confidential information unless authorised or required by law to do so.
Release of submissions where authorised or required by law
Any submissions provided to the ACMA may be released under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (unless an exemption applies) or shared with other Commonwealth Government agencies or certain other entities under Part 7A of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005. The ACMA may also be required to release submissions for other reasons including for the purpose of parliamentary processes or where otherwise required by law (for example, under a court subpoena). While the ACMA seeks to consult submitters of confidential information before that information is provided to another party, the ACMA cannot guarantee that confidential information will not be released through these or other legal means.
