Expiring spectrum licences (stage 2) – information gathering, and views on uses of frequency bands and alternative licence conditions

The initial submissions received from our information-gathering exercise are available at the bottom of this page. We received additional submissions which you can also access at the bottom of the page.  

We also ran a 'reply to comment' period from 11 June to 30 June 2024. 

In this stage, you had the chance to provide feedback and respond to the views made in submissions. 

Feedback received will be used when forming our preliminary views on expiring spectrum licences (ESLs). 

Submissions received during the reply to comment period are available below.

Reply to comment submissions: Expiring spectrum licences stage 2 (2.56 MB)

We have decided to move stage 3 and present our preliminary views in Q1 2025. This will enable us to best consider the developed views and information that stakeholders have contributed and continue to provide greater levels of confidence about how applications for renewal will be considered, well ahead of the first renewal application period in mid-2026. 

Preliminary views on the use of ESL spectrum in Q1 2025 will include renewal options, licensing arrangements, licence conditions, and spectrum pricing.

The Minister signed the MPS on 23 April 2024 and the MPS has now been registered. Further details are available here. 

This consultation begins stage 2 of the expiring spectrum licence process; information gathered will inform preliminary views for stage 3. 

We are seeking information from incumbent licensees about their past, current and future uses of the spectrum.

We encourage prospective alternative users to tell us how their use of spectrum covered by ESLs could enhance a range of outcomes, including encouraging competition, promoting efficiency and innovation, and improving services in regional, rural and remote Australia.

We seek views from all stakeholders on:

• approaches to examining use under existing spectrum licences
• issues around resilience and temporary disaster responses that arise in the context of spectrum licences and the ESL process
• our views on the uses of the frequency bands that are conducive to promoting the long-term public interest, and any additional evidence or analysis related to these views
• the effectiveness of rollout obligations to achieve improved coverage, UIOLI and UIOSI conditions to achieve more efficient use of the spectrum, any evidence or analysis to support these views and input on the practical implications of applying such conditions.

Consultation on Ministerial policy statement

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is consulting on a draft Ministerial policy statement (MPS) that specifies 5 Australian Government communications policy objectives that apply to the design and consideration of the ESL process:

1. Supporting service continuity for end users, particularly where no alternative service is available. 
2. Opportunities for new entrants and use cases, including for low earth orbit satellites.
3. Connectivity and investment in regional areas to deliver improved services to consumers and end users.
4. Promote competition.
5. Capacity for sustained investment and innovation. 

Submissions to the Department’s consultation on the MPS are due by 12 April 2024. 

We encourage stakeholders to refer to the MPS, if issued, in forming their submissions to our consultation.