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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 aimed at replanning and optimising arrangements across the 3.4–4.0 GHz frequency range. This includes:

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 intend to 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.

We are preparing to allocate spectrum across the wider 3.4–4.0 GHz frequency range in 4 separate processes.

To inform our decisions about allocations for new wireless broadband services in the 3.4–4.0 GHz band, we are considering measures to manage coexistence with radio altimeters operating above 4.2 GHz. This work is informed by ongoing global developments and includes engagement with international regulators. We will share further information on radio altimeter coexistence in February 2023.

This means that some of the proposed timings in the Five-year spectrum outlook 2022–27 (FYSO 2022–27) have changed.

The table below provides an update on the proposed timing of each of the allocation processes, and information about next steps.

 

 

Spectrum to be allocated

Allocation and licence type

Timing

1

3.4–4.0 GHz band, remote areas

Administrative allocation of AWLs

Q2 2023 (updated)

Next steps

  • May 2023: Making of relevant regulatory and technical instruments and releasing the final applicant information package (AIP) (we have previously consulted on the pricing and technical frameworks and AIP).
  • 4 weeks after publication of the final AIP: allocation window will start.

In the FYSO 2022–27, we indicated this allocation process would not begin before Q4 2022. The indicative timing has been updated to accommodate further consideration of the radio altimeter issue.

2

3.4 GHz and 3.7 GHz bands, metropolitan and regional areas

Auction of spectrum licences

Q4 2023 (updated)

Next steps

  • February 2023: consult on the draft allocation instruments (containing the auction rules including allocation limits, and products to be available at auction) and draft technical framework.

In the FYSO 2022–27, this consultation was slated for Q4 2022. However, ongoing consideration of radio altimeter issues has impacted the technical framework across the entire 3.4–4.0 GHz band, which has delayed consultation. We intend to hold a spectrum tune-up shortly after the draft allocation instruments are released to provide a further opportunity to discuss key elements of the auction settings.

Consequently, the proposed start date of the spectrum licence auction has been amended from Q3 2023 to early Q4 2023.

3

3800–3950 MHz, metropolitan and immediate surrounding areas

3750–3950 MHz, other regional areas

Administrative allocation of AWLs

Q1 2024 (updated)

Next steps

  • Q2 2023: Consult on the draft applicant information package (AIP), which contains the proposed allocation process, allocation limits, pricing arrangements and technical framework.

This consultation will be after the consultation on the spectrum licence auction allocation instruments and technical framework.

In the FYSO 2022–27, we indicated this allocation would commence in 2023–24. We are now planning to commence this allocation in Q1 2024.

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

  • Q1/Q2 2023: convene a technical liaison group to develop the technical arrangements that support licensing and use of this spectrum.

We will decide on allocation timing after work on the technical and licensing arrangements for this spectrum has been completed.

Re-allocation of the 3.4 GHz and 3.7 GHz bands

We consulted with industry stakeholders on the planning arrangements in the 3.4–3.8 GHz frequency range, the terms of the re-allocation declaration, and other matters relevant to the re-allocation process. You can find out more about the consultation, including our proposed spectrum re-allocation declaration for the 3.4 GHz and 3.7 GHz bands outcomes paper on our consultation page.

After considering the submissions received in response to consultation, we made the Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation – 3.4 GHz and 3.7 GHz Bands) Declaration 2022, a re-allocation declaration for parts of the 3.4 GHz (3400–3575 MHz) and the 3.7 GHz (3700–3800 MHz) bands.

Status: We plan to conduct a spectrum licence auction of 3.4 GHz and 3.7 GHz band spectrum in Q4 2023. We are now consulting on draft allocation and technical instruments for the auction. The consultation closes on 29 March 2023. You can find our consultation paper, and associated draft instruments, on our consultation page. You can receive updates on future consultations by signing up for our 3.4–4.0 GHz update e-bulletin.

The consultation also includes our proposed approach to manage the coexistence of wireless broadband services with radio altimeters on aircraft that operate in the 4200–4400 MHz band. This aspect is applicable to all allocations including the allocations in 3.4–4.0 GHz in remote areas and allocations of AWLs in the 3.8 GHz band.

Allocation of AWLs in the 3.4–4.0 GHz band in remote areas

We are examining the licensing and allocation process for area-wide apparatus licences (AWLs) in the 3.4–4.0 GHz frequency range in remote Australia, as well as the technical framework and pricing arrangements. We are taking additional time to further consider the coexistence of the proposed AWL allocations with radio altimeters operating in the adjacent 4.2–4.4 GHz band. 

The final regulatory instruments, planning documents and applicant information pack (AIP) to support the allocation process will be released about a month before the allocation process starts. This will allow accredited persons enough time to prepare for this allocation. The AIP will include important information for potential applicants about allocating and issuing apparatus licences in the band, as well as how to apply.

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

We are preparing to allocate spectrum in the 3.8–3.95 GHz (3.8 GHz band) by issuing the following area-wide apparatus licences (AWLs):

  • 3.800–3.950 GHz in metropolitan and immediately surrounding areas
  • 3.750–3.950 GHz in defined regional areas.

This proposed allocation follows our consultation on planning arrangements in the 3700–4200 MHz band and the subsequent release of an outcomes paper setting out the ACMA’s planning decisions for the 3700–4200 MHz band.

The outcomes paper stated that arrangements should be introduced in the 3.8 GHz band to support local area wireless broadband (LA WBB) services on a shared basis with fixed satellite (FSS) and point-to-point (PTP) services.

Update – 13 February 2023 – Preliminary views on allocation method, allocation limits and allocation quantum policy.

We are keen to share our preliminary views on the allocation method, and the use of allocation limits, for the 3.8–3.95 GHz AWL allocation to provide stakeholders with clarity to enable them to develop their spectrum acquisition strategies.

Our preliminary view is that the AWLs will be allocated via an ‘allocation window’ approach, as was used for the allocation of AWLs in the 26/28 GHz band. In addition, noting the intention to support LA WBB providers, we are proposing to apply allocation limits that preclude the wide-area wireless broadband providers with existing 3.4–3.7 GHz spectrum licences, including NBN Co, Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom, from being issued an AWL for a period of time after applications open. This would provide the LA WBB providers, along with PTP and FSS providers, with a priority access window.

Further detail on the ACMA preliminary views are included in the 3.4/3.7 GHz consultation paper.

The outcomes paper stated that arrangements should be introduced in the 3.8 GHz band to support local area wireless broadband (LA WBB) services on a shared basis with fixed satellite and point-to-point services.

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 3.4/3.7 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.

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