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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 area-wide licences (AWLs) Q3 2023 (updated)
Completed
  • 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 has been updated with the details of licences issued as the apparatus licence tax and other charges associated with the licence are 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
  • February 2024: The relevant regulatory and technical instruments were made and the AIP released.
  • The application window for AWLs in the 3.8 GHz band in metropolitan, regional and rural areas opened at 10 am (AEDT) Thursday 28 March 2024 and closed 2 pm (AEST) Thursday 2 May 2024.
  • As result of applications received during the allocation window, we have issued 47 licences to resource companies, companies providing public and private radiocommunications services, local councils, government agencies and organisations providing services to airports and ports.
  • For details on how to submit ongoing, Stage 2 first-in-time applications, see the application page.
4

3.95–4.0 GHz band, regional and metropolitan areas

3.4–3.475 GHz band, ‘urban excise’ areas

Highly localised wireless broadband / Point-to-multipoint system licences Q1 2025 (earliest)
Next steps
  • Q4 2023: a technical liaison group was convened to help develop the technical arrangements that support licensing and use of this spectrum.
  • Q4 2024: consult on technical and licensing arrangements.
  • Subject to the completion of these processes, plan to accept licence applications in calendar year 2025.

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 licence allocation in the 3.8 GHz band
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