Wi-Fi, Radiocommunications
One of the first things I had to do after being appointed to the ACMA two years ago was to chair a session on potential uses of upper 6 GHz spectrum. Mobile operators said they should have all of it, while Wi-Fi representatives said they should have it all.
The debate between the proponents was passionate and polarised. So much so that I remarked to a colleague afterwards that it felt a bit like being caught between Roman gladiators. I asked my colleague if the parties could reach common ground. She said, “No”.
But Australians rightly expect regulators to fix such things. The Radiocommunications Act is clear that in addressing such matters, we must advance the long-term public interest derived from the use of spectrum, including promoting the efficient allocation and use of spectrum.
In the case of the upper 6 GHz band, our job is to work out how the spectrum can support consumers to get both the next generation of Wi-Fi modems, to benefit from the faster speeds that NBN will offer, and ensure they can also get new generations of mobile services.
The first decision we made to get this balance right was when, in December 2024, we set aside 160 MHz of spectrum for Wi-Fi. We believe this is the right amount of spectrum, when combined with existing spectrum allocations, to support localised, high speed data rates.
This amount of spectrum unlocks new services like augmented reality-enabled applications, from immersive gaming and shopping to real-time remote surgery, which all need access to very high-capacity Wi-Fi channels that the additional spectrum will support.
It is also important to set aside 160 MHz of the upper 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi for technical reasons. It makes it easier to limit interference between Wi-Fi users in high-density scenarios, such as in apartment blocks, at sporting events and in educational institutions.
Put at its simplest, in this case 160 MHz for Wi-Fi is the Goldilocks amount – it’s just right.
In our December 2024 decision we also decided to allocate the other portion of upper 6 GHz spectrum for mobile telephony, but delay allocating it.
Why the delay? For the simple reason that spectrum arrangements for mobile in this band have not yet been made in the major markets that drive the manufacturing of equipment that Australian mobile operators install in their networks.
We expect this to change in the short to medium term. When it does, it’s our intention to allocate the remaining 6585 – 7100 MHz portion of the band for mobiles.
Fast forward from December 2024 to the decision we announced on Friday to amend the low interference potential device (LIPD) class licence.
The connection between our December 2024 decision and our recent LIPD decision may not be immediately obvious. However, there is a direct connection – our variation of the LIPD licence gives effect to our earlier decision to allocate a portion of upper 6 GHz for Wi-Fi.
The LIPD class licence is a piece of spectrum licensing magic. It is used every day by millions of Australians, unknowingly. Every time you use your home Wi-Fi, open the garage with a magic eye, or use your baby monitor, you are effectivity using the ACMA’s LIPD class licence.
The licence sets the radio frequency technical specifications manufacturers of those devices must adhere to in Australia and therefore makes sure they all work in this country.
The amendment we have just made to the LIPD provides WI-FI suppliers with the technical specifications that will allow them to supply next generation WI-FI modems to Australians.
Over the course of our consultation on the amendments to the LIPD, it became clear that many stakeholders had not changed their positions on upper 6 GHz of two years ago. It was, to return to my earlier analogy, back to the Colosseum.
It is worth briefly addressing some of the positions put to us.
Some submissions said there is not much usage of the next generation of Wi-Fi and that consumer take up is currently low. The ACMA, however, must plan for the future.
Given Australians’ enthusiasm for new technology, we anticipate that over time many people will likely take up new and emerging Wi-Fi products.
This will be driven by the fact that there is already equipment available in the market to support Wi-Fi over upper 6 GHz as a significant number of countries have set aside this spectrum for Wi-Fi services including the United States, Canada and South Korea.
Some submissions have also raised technical, spectrum efficiency and interference issues to argue we should adopt a different approach. We have considered each of these, as outlined in our decision, and believe these are satisfactorily addressed in our approach.
In the end we have had to, within our statutory framework, balance the competing commercial positions of stakeholders and come to a decision in the public interest.
After extensive consultations, we believe we have got the balance right in supporting next generation Wi-Fi as well as mobile services (subject to equipment availability). This approach will not only support Australian consumers but also promote innovation and investment.