By Peter Dinham
The Australian Government has set out its policy objectives for the allocation of two spectrum bands as part of its program to support the delivery of “world class” telecommunications services nationally.
The policy objectives, released on Monday by the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, are designed to support the deployment of 4G and 5G technologies, “promote competitive market outcomes for the long-term benefit of consumers, encourage investment in telecommunications infrastructure and support a national Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) capability”.
Minister Fletcher said spectrum is a highly valued yet finite resource and requires appropriate policy settings to guide decision making and maximise the use of the 850 MHz expansion band and 900 MHz band.
“Spectrum is a critical resource that underpins the telco services we rely on every day. These policy objectives will inform discussions with industry and guide upcoming decisions on the allocation of these bands, so they can deliver the services Australians need,” he said.
“It’s important that we get the policy settings right to balance existing uses of the spectrum, such as 3G and 4G services, whilst promoting competition and new technologies, such as 5G, for the benefit of all Australians.”
Minister Fletcher said the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will shortly begin formal consultations on the next step for reallocating of the spectrum bands, and will use the policy objectives to help guide the consultation process in preparation for an auction in the second half of 2021. https://itwire.com/
