Allowing the 1.5 GHz band plan to sunset

We received 3 public submissions to this consultation. You can access these at the bottom of this page. Two submissions supported the proposal to let the 1.5 GHz band plan sunset. One submission disagreed with the proposal, citing concerns this would generate uncertainty for mobile satellite services in the band.

We disagree that allowing the 1.5 GHz band plan to sunset would introduce uncertainty for mobile satellite services in the band. While it is possible to request an exemption from an embargo, transferring the restrictions in the 1.5 GHz band plan to Spectrum Embargo 70 will continue to prevent the introduction of new services.

Changes to planning arrangements for the band will be consulted on in a separate process. This will include analysis of coexistence issues between satellite and terrestrial services.

After considering the submissions, we decided to let the 1.5 GHz band plan sunset on 1 October 2025. In anticipation, Spectrum Embargo 70 has been updated.

Radiocommunications

The Radiocommunications 1.5 GHz Frequency Band Plan 2015 is due to sunset on 1 October 2025.

We believe the band plan is still needed until we have finished our review of the band. However, we feel the provisions can be set out in a spectrum embargo, instead of an instrument. 

We propose to allow the band plan to sunset and include the provisions in Spectrum Embargo 70. You can access full details in the consultation paper above. 

No changes to the allocations in the 1.5 GHz band are proposed at this time. We will consult on the review of the 1427–1535 MHz band in a separate consultation.