The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released its first paper in the review of the radiofrequency spectrum between 1427.9 and 1510.9 Mhz (the 1.5 GHz mobile band).

 

The paper investigates the potential use of the 1.5GHz mobile band for mobile broadband services, which was previously identified by ACMA as one of a number of candidate bands for mobile services.

 

The paper details drivers for reviewing the 1.5 GHz mobile band and some preliminary options for future arrangements. The primary goal of the paper is to gather views and information from industry to inform the next stage of the review, where more detailed proposals will be developed.

 

Due to current planning arrangements, the 1.5 GHz mobile band is heavily used in remote and regional areas, but only lightly in metropolitan areas and major population centres and where usage is dominated by one licensee.

 

The paper can be found here