Expiring spectrum licences (stage 3) - preliminary views

ACCAN recently submitted to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)’s Expiring spectrum licences (stage 3) – preliminary views consultation. 

ACCAN’s submission recommends the Australian Communications and Media Authority:  

1. Conduct spectrum auctions for expiring spectrum licences to: 

2. Ensure the competitive and efficient allocation of spectrum assets to their best and highest use, in keeping with the well-established benefits of holding spectrum auctions.  

3. Ensure the appropriate pricing of spectrum assets so that not only do Australian taxpayers receive appropriate returns for the use of a valuable and finite public asset, but there is sustained future funding for communications infrastructure. 

4. Avoid under-pricing spectrum to provide incentives for licence holders to trade spectrum assets to its best and highest use over the duration of the licensing period.   

5. Facilitate opportunities for new market entrants and use cases, including for low earth orbit satellites to drive innovation, consistent with established government policy objectives. This will ensure that the newest technologies are made available to Australian consumers. 

6. Facilitate competition in the spectrum market to drive down prices for consumers. 

7. Consult international experts in spectrum auction design to implement the above recommendations.  

ACCAN’s submission was accompanied by an expert note from Professor Richard Holden which has been commissioned by ACCAN.