Announcement date
20 June 2023
Link to announcement
https://www.acma.gov.au/area-wide-apparatus-licensing-34-40-ghz-band
Problem being addressed
Demand for spectrum in the 3.4 - 4.0 GHz band from local area wireless broadband services in remote areas is expected to grow. This demand arises in smaller, localised areas (such as from wireless internet service providers) and in business enterprise services operated by private entities on their own premises or estate (such as a hospital or industrial facility). While the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) can facilitate these services using ‘service-specific’ apparatus licences, this does not provide flexibility to use this spectrum for a variety of services, uses, applications and technologies.
Proposal
To accommodate expected demand, the ACMA would introduce area-wide licences (AWLs). An AWL is more flexible than existing licences as it can be designed to fit the needs of a range of service types and does not tie licensees to specific site locations, topologies or exact technical parameters. Introducing AWLs in remote areas to the 3.4-4GHz band requires regulatory changes to the Radiocommunications (Area-Wide Licences) Licence Conditions Determination 2020 and the Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Determination 2015.
Assessed Impact Analysis outcome
Adequate
Please note - any accessibility enquiries should be directed to the ACMA