Allocation of AWLs in the 3.4–4.0 GHz band in remote Australia - IFC 11/2022

We received 30 public submissions for this consultation. Please note that some submissions were only submitted to the parallel consultation on the proposed spectrum re-allocation declaration for the 3.4 and 3.7 GHz bands. However, as these were considered relevant to this consultation, they have been included in submissions received below.

We are currently reviewing measures to protect radio altimeters operating in the adjacent 4.2–4.4 GHz band. We are developing evidence-informed measures that will support our proposed approach to manage coexistence between wireless broadband uses and radio altimeters. We will engage further with stakeholders so they can provide feedback on the proposed measures.

We are proposing to allocate AWLs to authorise access to spectrum in the 3.4–4.0 GHz band in remote areas. Unlike ‘service-specific’ apparatus licence types, which typically align with specific uses and purposes, AWLs can authorise a variety of fixed and mobile services, uses, applications and technologies. This proposal follows consultations on planning arrangements for the 3400–3575 MHz frequency range and the 3700–4200 MHz frequency range.

We seek stakeholder comments on:

• The technical framework: amendments to the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Area-Wide Licence) Amendment Determination 2020 (AWL LCD) and draft new and amended Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instructions (RALIs) MS47, FX3 and FX19.
• The allocation process: administrative allocation policies and principles to support the allocation of AWLs in remote areas.
• Tenure and renewal: the ACMA’s proposed policies for the duration and renewal arrangements for AWLs.
• Pricing: the proposed AWL tax arrangements.

The consultation paper in the ‘Key documents’ box examines these issues. We have also provided an AWL tax calculator and a tax calculator guide to help you estimate annual tax amounts for specific HCIS cells.

Spectrum tune-up

We held a virtual targeted consultation (spectrum tune-up) on Tuesday 29 March examining the issues outlined in this consultation. It also covered our consultation on the proposed spectrum re-allocation declaration for the 3.4 and 3.7 GHz bands. The Q&As from the spectrum tune-up have been published on our 3.4–4.0 GHz project page.

Have you signed-up for our new 3.4–4.0 GHz e-bulletin yet? If not, go to our newsletter page, fill in your details and tick the 3.4–4.0 GHz box in the ACMA updates list.