Review of the 803-960 MHz band
In May 2011, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) has commenced a review of arrangements in the radiofrequency band from 803 to 960 MHz. This spectrum is currently used for a wide range of services including cellular mobile telephone services, land mobile services, fixed services class licensed devices including radiofrequency identification devices (RFIDs).
Project plan
The ACMA has developed a 900 MHz Review Project Plan to provide stakeholders with information regarding drivers, proposed objectives and a timeline for the review of the 900 MHz band.
First discussion paper
In May 2011, the ACMA released a discussion paper, The 900 MHz band—Exploring new opportunities, (PDF 2 mb or Word 3.3 mb) to seek stakeholder views and ideas on potential changes to the 803-906 MHz band.
The ACMA received 63 submissions to the discussion paper.
Spectrum for public safety radiocommunications
In October 2012, the ACMA released a paper covering the ACMA decisions and current initiatives that are intended to provide for current and future public safety radiocommunications needs in Australia. This includes making provision for 10 MHz of spectrum from the 800 MHz band for the specific purpose of realising a dedicated nationally interoperable PSMB cellular 4G data capability. The precise frequencies to be provided from within the 800 MHz band will be determined later in the context of the ACMA’s full review of the 803–960 MHz band.
Second discussion paper
On 4 December 2012, the ACMA released a discussion paper The 803-960 MHz band- Exploring options for future change to seek stakeholder views on the proposals for the future of the 803 – 960 MHz band. This paper seeks information and comment on these broad areas:
- Options for expanding the 800 MHz band to include spectrum in the upper part of the digital dividend that is not being included in the initial 700 MHz band allocation.
- Consideration of the technical and licensing arrangements in the digital cellular mobile telephony service segments (890–915 MHz paired with 935–960 MHz).
- Opportunities for facilitating new technologies or expanding existing services in underutilised parts of the 803–960 MHz band.
- Consideration of the future overall structure of the 803–960 MHz band.
The comment period for the discussion paper The 803-960 MHz band—Exploring options for future change has now closed. The ACMA received 27 submissions to the discussion paper.
Media releases
- ACMA considers future spectrum for mobile broadband (4 May)
- The ACMA to deliver additional spectrum to support public safety mobile broadband capability (29 Oct)
900 MHz band documents
Papers
- The 900 MHz band—Exploring new opportunities discussion paper (PDF 2 mb or Word 3.3 mb)
- Spectrum for public safety radiocommunications
- The 803-960 MHz band—exploring options for future change.
Band plan
Frequency assignment documents
- Frequency Assignment Requirements for the Land Mobile Service (RALI LM08)
- Management of the Short Range Point to Multipoint Service (RALI FX10)
- Studio to Transmitter Links and Sound Outside Broadcast Services in the 900 MHz band (RALI FX11)
- Point-to-Multipoint Fixed Services in the 400 MHz and 900 MHz bands (RALI FX16)
- Frequency assignment requirements for Narrowband Single Channel Two Frequency Point-to-Point Services in the 400 MHz and 900 MHz bands (RALI FX17)
- Coordination Procedures for the Licensing of Services Sharing the 857-861 MHz Band (SP 4/93)
- Frequency assignment procedures for low capacity fixed services in the 820-960 MHz band (SP 6/93 & supplement)
Spectrum embargoes
- Embargo 64 - 803-825 MHz, 845-870 MHz and 890-960 MHz
- Embargo 26 - Spectrum licensed bands including 825-845 MHz and 870-890 MHz
On 7 December 2011 spectrum embargo 34, which covers the frequency ranges 857-859 MHz, 861-865 MHz and 933-935 MHz, was replaced with spectrum embargo 64 which covers the frequency ranges 803-825 MHz, 845-870 MHz and 890-960 MHz. This embargo on all new apparatus licence frequency assignments is to support the review of the 803-960 MHz band.
Additional information
For any enquiries regarding the 900 MHz review, or to join the 900 MHz review mailing list, please email 900MHzreview@acma.gov.au.
Publication of submissions
In general, the ACMA publishes all submissions it receives.
The ACMA prefers to receive submissions which are not claimed to be confidential. However, the ACMA accepts that a submitter may sometimes wish to provide information in confidence. In these circumstances, submitters are asked to identify the material over which confidentiality is claimed and provide a written explanation for confidentiality claims.
The ACMA will consider each claim for confidentiality on a case by case basis. If the ACMA accepts a confidentiality claim, it will not publish the confidential information unless required to do so by law.
When can ACMA be required by law to release information?
Any submissions provided to the ACMA may be released under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. The ACMA may also be required to release submissions for other reasons including for the purpose of parliamentary processes or where otherwise required by law (for example a court subpoena). While the ACMA seeks to consult submitters of confidential information before that information is provided to another body or agency, the ACMA cannot guarantee that confidential information will not be released through these or other legal means.
