Our approach to radiocommunications licensing and allocation 2024

We received 6 submissions to this consultation, which are available at the bottom of this page. We thank all submitters, whose feedback informed the final paper, Our approach to radiocommunications licensing and allocation 2025.

Feedback mainly focused on characteristics of spectrum licences, including the long-term public interest. 

While the paper broadly discusses long-term public interest considerations, determining the long-term public interest in specific contexts requires balancing numerous factors. We believe these factors are more appropriately identified and considered at the time we develop arrangements for specific frequency bands/allocations. 

The paper is intended to provide a clear overview of our approach to licensing and allocation processes. Specific details for band or allocation processes can be found in their associated consultation/s. These individual processes provide opportunities for stakeholders to contribute their views on specific issues (for example, proposed coexistence arrangements) for particular bands and licensing/allocation decisions. More information on our transparent approach to licensing and allocation can be found in the FYSO and on our website.

While spectrum licences are not elevated above other types of licence (legally or by the ACMA), the Radiocommunications Act 1992 imposes specific requirements to be met in relation to the issuing of apparatus and class licences in frequency bands covered by spectrum licences or marketing plans.

We have made minor edits to the paper to clarify and illustrate our approach on these issues.

Update

After requests from stakeholders, we have extended the closing date for this consultation to COB, Thursday 5 September 2024.

Summary

In March 2021, we published an information paper Our approach to radiocommunications licensing and allocation. The paper outlined our intended approach to implementing changes to the licensing and allocation arrangements in the Radiocommunications Act 1992 introduced by the Radiocommunications Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Act 2020.

We have now revised the paper to ensure it continues to provide a fit-for-purpose, up-to-date and clear overview of our approach to radiocommunications licensing and allocation. The paper also includes examples of recent licensing and allocation decisions. Alongside the five-year spectrum outlook (FYSO), our website and band/allocation-specific consultation documents, the paper provides guidance on our approach.

We expect to finalise the paper in Q1 2025, with the timing dependant on feedback.