Allocating the 3.4–4.0 GHz band

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:

• Optimisation of arrangements in the 3400–3575 MHz frequency range, including excising unused parts of NBN Co’s spectrum holdings in metropolitan areas.
• Planning for wireless broadband use of the unused parts of NBN Co’s spectrum holdings in metropolitan areas in the 3400–3475 MHz band.
• New planning arrangements for the 3700-4200 MHz 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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