Legacy spectrum licenses could return to market from 2028

Radio spectrum used for wireless broadband, rail safety, and electronic news gathering could be up for grabs after 2028.

The licenses in question were issued between 2008 and 2012 for 20 years, and as expiry draws close, the Australian Communications and Media Authority needs to decide whether it’s best to renew them in part or full, or put them back on the market.

The expiring licenses are in the 700MHz spectrum (expiring December 2029), 850MHz and 1800MHz (June 2028), 2GHz (October 2032), 2.3GHz (July 2030), 2.5GHz (September 2029), and 3.4GHz (December 2030) bands.

As well as Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom and NBN Co, the spectrum is held by various rail operators, and Australia's four major television networks.

The ACMA said these represent three-quarters of long-term spectrum licenses.

Since the spectrum could potentially be released to other users, the ACMA described the expiry of the licenses as “one of the most critically important issues facing the telecommunications sector over the coming decade.”

“Given the critical importance of spectrum usage to industry, the economy and the public, we are starting the process now – well in advance of the expiry dates,” authority member and spectrum lead Adam Suckling said.

“We are talking about very high value spectrum, ideal for facilitating 5G mobile internet and even 6G as we look ahead over the next decade and beyond.

“We are seeing new technologies and innovations on the horizon, such as network sharing models and satellite applications, that could boost competition nationally as well as improve network coverage in regional areas.”

The key question for the ACMA is whether it should offer the spectrum licenses to the carriers that now hold them – or whether competition and/or service aims would be better be served by putting the spectrum back on the market.

The ACMA is launching a discussion paper today seeking input on the future of the licenses.

Incumbents and alternative licensees will be asked to suggest applications for the spectrum, whether it can help improve emergency service and disaster recovery, and whether rollout obligations would improve coverage or promote more efficient use of the spectrum.