The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released two papers signalling its intention to develop a new future spectrum strategy that intends to makes use of the best current and future mobile broadband technology.

 

Towards 2020—Future spectrum requirements for mobile broadband, published by the ACMA, considers the future demands of the Australian mobile broadband industry while the 900 MHz Band—Exploring new opportunities paper looks at options to replan that particular band to improve its utility.

 

‘The ACMA is keen to hear from stakeholders on a number of relevant issues, including whether greater spectral efficiency could be achieved by network operators in their existing spectrum holdings,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman

 

The 900 MHz Band paper will be dedicated to exploring the potential developments of Tesltra’s Next G network and Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone’s GSM and 3G networks.

 

‘The review of the 900 MHz band is an exciting ACMA spectrum reform initiative, which will continue over what is likely to be a number of years,’ Mr Chapman said. ‘The aim of this review is to consider the current regulatory arrangements in the 900 MHz band to ensure they best embrace technological developments.

 

The ACMA is currently welcoming public submissions on the papers, the closing date for submissions on the 900 MHz Band paper is 24 June and 1 July for the Towards 2020 paper.