Draft five-year spectrum outlook 2026–31

The Draft five-year spectrum outlook (FYSO) 2026–31 provides:

• an overview of the trends that affect spectrum management
• the factors used to inform the ACMA's planning and spectrum allocation priorities.

It is a key part of our engagement with industry and the community on our spectrum management priorities.

Covering the 5 financial years from 2026–27 to 2030–31, the draft FYSO includes:

• a detailed annual work program
• activities and milestones for the 2026–27 financial year.

The draft FYSO’s focus areas show we are:

• Progressing the fourth and final stage of the expiring spectrum licences process, having released our preferred views on renewal in December 2025.
• Working on a number of projects to support satellite direct-to-device connectivity. This will be an important component of delivering the government’s Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation legislation.
• Continuing to work through the planned 2 GHz mobile satellite service allocation. This includes the complex issues and diverse perspectives arising from feedback from the Q3 2025 consultation on allocation, licensing and technical design matters.
• Preparing for the International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conference 2027. Decisions made here will influence how emerging technologies access and share spectrum globally.
• Progressing our program of radio planning and allocation activities, informed by our radio broadcast planning priorities.
• Improving regulatory processes and frameworks to optimise outcomes for licensees and the public.

We expect to publish the final FYSO 2026–31 in the second half of 2026.

We invite your feedback on the Draft five-year spectrum outlook 2026–31.

Use the ‘Upload submission’ button at the top of this page to send us your views. 

You can send submissions by post to:

Manager, Spectrum Licensing Policy
Australian Communications and Media Authority 
PO Box 13112 Law Courts
Melbourne VIC 8010