ACMA Draft Five-year spectrum outlook 2023–28

ACCAN recently submitted on the ACMA’s 2023-2028 draft five-year spectrum outlook (the FYSO). The ACMA consults annually on spectrum management priorities for the coming year.

ACCAN’s submission expressed our support for the FYSO’s goals including to:

• Re-farm existing 3G/4G spectrum resources to support future 5G developments.

• Close the gap, supporting initiatives to assist in promoting digital inclusion.

• Invest further into spectrum management tools, including a modernised spectrum licensing system and online auction capabilities.

• Continually evaluate spectrum class license agreements.

• Reduce regulatory burden by transitioning to spectrum class licenses.

• Continually optimise existing spectrum planning arrangements.

• Continue consulting on radiocommunications instruments sunsetting.

ACCAN’s submission also raised the need to carefully examine licensing arrangements for remote and isolated locations, to ensure that existing licensing arrangements aren’t a barrier to investment by private individuals and small businesses.