Allocation design and technical matters for the 2 GHz MSS band

The 2 GHz band is being replanned for MSS. The consultation paper outlines our proposed arrangements for allocation design and key technical parameters in the band. We would like your views on the issues covered in this paper, including:

• licensing approach
• licence term, commencement and renewal
• lot configuration
• allocation methodology
• auction format
• space regulatory and technical matters
• complementary ground component and direct air-to-ground communications.

In January 2021, we announced the decision to replan the 2 GHz band (1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz) for MSS. This would enable: 

• 2 x 25 MHz (1980–2005 MHz and 2170–2195 MHz) for Australia-wide MSS. This included support for deployment of a complementary ground component, including direct air-to-ground communications services, where a licensee wishes to supplement its MSS.
• 2 x 5 MHz (2005–2010 MHz and 2195–2200 MHz) for shared narrowband MSS. This includes telemetry, short messaging, and low-data-rate services such as satellite IoT (internet of things) application. 

Our preliminary views for this consultation were informed by the submissions we received to:

• the November 2023 Technical design features and allocation considerations for the 2 GHz MSS band discussion paper
• the draft Five-year spectrum outlook 2025–30
• the Five-year spectrum outlook 2024–29.

Your submissions will help inform our policies and contribute to the development of legislative instruments that will outline:

• allocation rules
• technical parameters
• related policy documents.

We invite your feedback about the proposals set out in this consultation paper. Click on the ‘upload submission’ button at the top of this page to send us your views. You can send submissions by post using the details in the consultation paper.