Proposed reallocation of the 2300–2302 MHz band for spectrum licensing
The ACMA is proposing to recommend to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy that the 2300–2302 MHz band be declared for allocation via the issue of spectrum licences. This will enable the extension of the already spectrum-licensed 2302–2400 MHz band (the 2.3 GHz band) from 98 MHz to 100 MHz of bandwidth.
This increase would better enable the deployment of next-generation technologies such as WiMAX and Time-Division Long-Term Evolution (TD-LTE), which typically operate using multiples of 5 MHz channels. Enabling the operation of these technologies would also harmonise the band with other international regulatory arrangements and global equipment standards.
Background
The spectrum licences in the 2.3 GHz band will expire on 24 July 2015, and the ACMA is currently reviewing the technical and regulatory arrangements for this band in the context of its expiring spectrum licence project. The ACMA commenced its Technical Liaison Group (TLG) process for the 2.3 GHz band in October 2012 and is working with incumbent licensees and other interested stakeholders to review the technical framework to ensure its effectiveness across the next 15-year spectrum-licensed period.
The Radiocommunications Act 1992 requires the ACMA to undertake a number of necessary legislative steps before making a recommendation to the minister. One of these steps is to prepare and publish a written notice stating that a draft version of the recommendation is available for comment by potentially affected apparatus licensees, and identify the terms that are set out in the draft recommendation. If a potentially affected apparatus licensee provides comments to the ACMA, it must consider those comments in preparing its final recommendation to the minister.
The ACMA has prepared a consultation paper that explains the reasons for the proposal and sets out the terms for the proposed recommendation to the minister. This paper is intended to help affected apparatus licensees and other interested stakeholders make a submission.
Subject to the outcomes of this consultation process, the ACMA intends to recommend to the minister in the first half of 2013 that the 2300–2302 MHz band be declared for spectrum licensing throughout Australia. The consultation paper provides a map and coordinates of the geographic area proposed to be reallocated for spectrum licensing.
The consultation paper and related advertisement notice are available below:
| Word | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Proposed reallocation of the 2300–2302 MHz band for spectrum licensing |
4.2 mb | 1.6 mb |
|
Written notice published in The Australian on 13 February 2013 |
N/A | 1.2 mb |
Making a submission
Submissions should be made:
By email: spectrum.outlook@acma.gov.au
By mail:
Manager
Spectrum Outlook and Review Section
Australian Communications and Media Authority
PO Box 78
Belconnen ACT 2616
The closing date for submissions is Wednesday 27 March 2013.
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.
