Australia’s telecom regulator ACMA aims to award spectrum in the 3.6 GHz band later this year
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched a consultation process to award 5G spectrum in the 3.6 GHz band.
The regulator had previously said that it aims to award the 5G spectrum later this year. The consultation process will be opened until June 15.
“The ACMA is consulting on the details of the spectrum licenses to be offered in the 3.6 GHz band, the draft rules of the auction and the technical framework that will underpin the new licenses,” said ACMA Chair, Nerida O’Loughlin.
“We are making spectrum available as early as possible so that all Australians can benefit from these new technologies. But we recognize the 3.6 GHz auction will require incumbent operators in the band to make some changes,” O’Loughlin said.
The ACMA is seeking comment on the introduction of planning arrangements to support frequency coordination and licensing of point-to-multi-point (P-MP) systems in the 5.6 GHz band. This is one of several previously announced strategies to support the transition of existing services in the 3.6 GHz band. The regulator is also looking for input on proposed measures to protect existing Bureau of Meteorology radar services and make provision for additional radar services in future.
“We will be working closely with wireless internet service providers, satellite operators and the Bureau of Meteorology up to and well beyond the auction process to address their concerns,” O’Loughlin said.
In October last year, the government of Australia developed a paper outlining a 5G policy for the country, including the establishment of a working group to drive the deployment of 5G mobile technology in Australia.
The government said this working group will support the timely rollout of 5G technology in the country with the primary goal of fostering the growth of the digital economy.
The commercial rollout of next generation mobile networks is expected to start in 2020. The government highlighted that it will support 5G deployments by making spectrum available in a timely manner, actively engaging in international standardization processes and streamlining planning arrangements to allow mobile operators to deploy infrastructure more quickly and at lower cost.
Spain to award 5G spectrum by mid-July
In related 5G news, Spain’s Ministry of Energy, Tourism and the Digital Agenda has announced plans to award 5G spectrum by mid-July.
The Spanish government said it will be auctioning off 200 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.6-3.8 GHz band, the first of a series tenders in 5G bands planned for 2018.
Under this process, the government will make available 40 blocks of 5 megahertz at a minimum price of 2.5 million euros ($ 2.9 million) each.
Operators have been given until 29 June to submit their applications for the 20-year concessions. Mobile operators will be able to obtain up to 120 megahertz of spectrum in this process.
