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Allocating the 3.4–4.0 GHz band

We are reviewing arrangements in the 3.4–4.0 GHz band to allocate spectrum for a range of wireless broadband uses. This page will be updated as projects progress.

Overview

We have previously undertaken multiple streams of work to replan and optimise arrangements across the 3.4–4.0 GHz frequency range:

Work in the 3.4–4.0 GHz band follows the 3.6 GHz band auction held in 2018, as well as defragmentation work conducted in the 3.4 GHz band.

We will use a variety of licence types and allocation methods to support use of the 3.4–4.0 GHz band by a range of different users and use cases.

To support the 3.4–4.0 GHz band work program, we have made technical planning decisions on the coexistence of wireless broadband and radio altimeters. The ACMA and CASA worked closely to identify an acceptable precautionary approach to deploy wireless broadband services.

The ACMA will make interim mitigations on new wireless broadband deployments above 3.7 GHz until 31 March 2026. This will help manage coexistence between wireless broadband services and aircraft radio altimeters. It will allow the timely rollout of wireless broadband services while providing time for the aviation sector to improve radio altimeter performance.

An outline of the process is in the table below.

 

  Spectrum to be allocated Allocation and licence type Timing
1 3.4–4.0 GHz band, remote areas Administrative allocation of AWLs Q3 2023 (updated)
Next steps
  • June 2023: The relevant regulatory and technical instruments were made and the final applicant information package (AIP) released. We consulted on the pricing and technical frameworks and AIP in 2022.
  • The application window for AWLs in the 3.4–4.0 GHz band in remote areas opened at 10 am Australian eastern standard time (AEST) on Monday 17 July 2023 and closed 5 pm AEST on Monday 31 July 2023.
  • The ACMA’s Register of Radiocommunications Licences (RRL) will be updated with the details of licences issued once the apparatus licence tax and other charges associated with the licence have been paid by the applicant.

 

2 3.4 GHz and 3.7 GHz bands, metropolitan and regional areas Direct allocation and auction of spectrum licences Q4 2023
Completed
  • The 3.7 GHz band auction commenced on 24 October 2023. The 3.4 GHz auction was completed on 21 November 2023.
  • See the 3.4/3.7 GHz bands allocation summary for more information. 
     
3

3800–3950 MHz, metropolitan and regional areas

3750–3950 MHz, rural areas

Administrative allocation of AWLs Q1 2024 (updated)
Next steps
  • We are planning to commence this allocation in Q1 2024. The AIP will be released before applications open. See below for more information on this allocation.
4

3.95–4.0 GHz band, regional and metropolitan areas

3.4–3.475 GHz band, ‘urban excise’ areas

Restricted cell apparatus licences/ Apparatus licences TBD
Next steps
  • Q4 2023: a technical liaison group was convened to help develop the technical arrangements that support licensing and use of this spectrum.
  • Q1 2024: consult on technical and licensing arrangements (contingent on TLG timing).
  • Subject to the completion of these processes, plan to issue licences in calendar year 2024.

Allocation of AWLs in the 3.8 GHz band in metropolitan, regional and rural areas

We are preparing to allocate spectrum in the 3.8 GHz band by issuing the following area-wide apparatus licences (AWLs):

  • 3800–3950 MHz in metropolitan and regional areas
  • 3750–3950 GHz in rural areas.

This allocation follows our 2021 planning decisions in the 3700–4200 MHz band and the 2022 re-allocation declaration decision for the 3.4/3.7 GHz bands

As a result of these decisions, we are introducing arrangements in the 3.8 GHz band to support local area wireless broadband services on a shared basis with fixed satellite and point-to-point services.

On 20 June 2023, we began consultation on

  • the proposed technical framework 
  • licence tax arrangements
  • licence tenure and renewal
  • 2 options for the approach to allocating AWLs in the 3.8 GHz band.

This consultation included proposed amendments to the Radiocommunications Advisory Guidelines (Managing Interference from Spectrum Licensed Transmitters — 3.4 GHz Band) 2015 (the RAG Tx).  The proposed amendments were relevant to both the 3.8 GHz AWL and 3.4 GHz band spectrum licensing technical frameworks. The consultation closed on 1 August 2023. 

Status: On 4 October 2023, we released the public submissions to this consultation. We made the Radiocommunications Advisory Guidelines (Managing Interference from Spectrum Licensed Transmitters – 3.4 GHz Band) Variation 2023 (No. 2)

We also released an outcomes paper

We aim to announce outcomes for all remaining issues in Q1 2024.

Previous spectrum tune-ups: 3.4–4.0 GHz frequency range

In March 2022, we held a spectrum tune-up covering planning issues outlined in our consultations on the proposed spectrum re-allocation declaration for the 3.4 and 3.7 GHz bands, and the allocation of AWLs in 3.4–4.0 GHz frequency range. Read the Q&As from the March 2022 tune-up.

In July 2022, we held another tune-up on auction design matters for the 3.4 and 3.7 GHz bands auction. It also included technical framework matters relevant to the 3.4–4.0 GHz frequency range. Read the Q&As from the July 2022 tune-up.

In February 2023, we held a third tune-up discussing the policy settings in our consultation on the draft instruments for the 3.4 and 3.7 GHz bands auction. Read the Q&As from the February 2023 tune-up.

Keep up to date

Sign up for our 3.4–4.0 GHz update e-bulletins and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Go to our newsletter page, fill in your details and tick the 3.4–4.0 GHz box in the ACMA updates list.

Next up: Area-wide apparatus licensing in the 3.4–4.0 GHz band
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