This progress report for July to December 2019 outlines the status of activities in the Five-year spectrum outlook 2019–23 (FYSO).
The tables below show progress in delivering our 2019–20 work program from 1 July to 31 December 2019. They also provide reasons for changes in time frames or direction.
We'll provide updates in the 12-month report and outline the next steps for our spectrum management activities in the upcoming draft FYSO 2020–24.
Table 1: International engagement
| Project priorities
|
Proposed timelines
|
Progress/update
|
|---|---|---|
|
ITU-R Study Group 4 block meetings |
Q3 2019 (19 June – 4 July 2019)
|
Completed |
|
25th meeting of the APT Wireless Group (AWG-25) |
Q3 2019 (1–5 July 2019)
|
Completed |
|
Fifth meeting of the APT Conference Preparatory Group (Asia Pacific) for WRC-19 (APG19-5) |
Q3 2019 (31 July – 6 August 2019)
|
Completed |
|
ITU Radiocommunication Assembly 2019 |
Q4 2019 (21–25 October 2019) |
Completed |
|
World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) |
Q4 2019 (28 October – 22 November 2019) |
Completed |
|
First Conference Preparatory Meeting for WRC-23 |
Q4 2019 (25–26 November 2019) |
Completed |
Table 2: Planning—major band planning and replanning activities
| Planning stage
|
Project priorities
|
Proposed actions & timelines
|
Progress/update
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Monitoring |
Identify usage trends in: 600 MHz (617–698 MHz) 1900–1920 MHz 3.3 GHz (3300–3400 MHz) 4.5 GHz (4400–4500 MHz) 4.8 GHz (4800–4990 MHz) Bands studied under WRC-19 agenda item 1.16 Bands studied under WRC-19 agenda item 1.13 |
Continue to monitor domestic and international developments in these bands |
Ongoing
|
|
Initial investigation |
2 GHz |
Q3 2019: discussion paper on planning issues |
Completed
|
|
Q1 2020: possible options paper, depending on outcomes of discussion paper |
Moved to Q2 due to re-prioritisation |
||
|
3700–4200 MHz |
Q3 2019: discussion paper on planning issues |
Completed
|
|
|
Q1 2020: possible options paper, depending on outcomes of discussion paper |
Moved to Q2 due to re-prioritisation |
||
|
Preliminary replanning |
1800 MHz (1710–1785 MHz and1805–1880 MHz) in remote areas |
Q4 2019: discussion paper on planning issues |
Moved to Q2 2020 due to re-prioritisation |
|
3400–3575 MHz |
Q4 2019: planning decision |
Completed |
|
|
28 GHz |
Q3 2019: planning decision |
Completed |
|
|
Replanning |
850 MHz expansion band (809–824 MHz and 854–869 MHz) |
Band is being cleared progressively. The ACMA continues to consider options for optimising its use. Allocation time frames are tied to those of the 900 MHz band |
No change
|
|
900 MHz (890–915 MHz and 935–960 MHz) |
Consultation on configuration options for the band was conducted in Q2 2019. The ACMA is considering the submissions |
Completed: decision paper released in Q4 2019 |
|
|
5.6 GHz (5600–5650 MHz) |
Q4 2019: finalise the release of the 5.6 GHz band, including possible transitional arrangements for 3.6 GHz band (3575–3700 MHz) point-to-multipoint licensees |
Moved to Q2 2020 due to re-prioritisation
|
|
|
26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz) |
Q3 2019: recommendation to Minister on spectrum licensing in 25.1–27.5 GHz |
Completed |
Table 3: Planning—optimising established planning frameworks
| Planning area
|
Project priorities
|
Proposed actions & timelines
|
Progress/update
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Broadcasting analog and digital radio |
Finalise outcome of the consultation on AM to FM conversion for Scottsdale, Tasmania |
Q3 2019 |
Completed |
|
Consult on AM to FM conversion proposals for Riverland, Murray Bridge, Spencer Gulf North and Port Lincoln, South Australia |
Q3 2019: consult and finalise |
Completed |
|
|
Develop and consult on proposals for AM to FM conversions in Taree and Grafton, New South Wales |
Q4 2019: consultations
|
Taree:
Grafton:
|
|
|
Develop and consult on the potential for replanning analog radio services in Perth following the clearance of Band II television in Bunbury |
Q2 2020 |
Re-prioritised to 2020–21 after further engagement with industry on the future delivery of radio |
|
|
Complete engineering and consult on digital radio channel plans (DRCPs) for several regional radio licence areas |
Q1 2020 |
No interest has been received for formal DRCPs apart from the Gold Coast. Gold Coast consultation expected Q2 2020 |
|
|
Consult on whether the Hobart RA3 community radio licence area should be deemed the same as the Hobart RA1 commercial radio licence area for the purpose of digital radio |
Q3 2019: release consultation paper
|
Completed |
|
|
Consult on principles for determining whether specified community radio licence areas should be deemed to be the same as specified commercial radio licence areas for the purpose of digital radio |
Q1 2020 |
No change to projected timeline |
|
|
Consult on the future delivery of radio services in Australia |
Q3 2019: publish submissions
|
Completed
|
|
|
Q4 2019: publish and consult on draft findings and report to government |
Completed. Further engagement with industry on radio delivery in Q2 2020
|
||
|
Satellite |
Consider feasibility of inclusion of 10.7–11.7 GHz in Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 2015 |
Q3
|
Completed
|
|
Q4 2019: determination of next steps |
Completed |
||
|
Finalise review of regulatory arrangements for earth stations in motion in Ku-band |
Q3 2019
|
Completed |
|
|
General review of licensing procedures for space-based communications systems |
Q4 2019/Q1 2020 |
Completed |
|
|
Review spectrum arrangements for small satellites |
Q4 2019 |
Moved to Q2 2020 due to re-prioritisation |
|
|
Consult on update for Radiocommunications (Foreign Space Objects) Determination 2014 |
Q3/4 2019 |
Completed: Radiocommunications (Foreign Space Objects) Determination 2014 |
|
|
Consider applications for test and demonstration purposes in the 2 GHz band |
Ongoing |
No change to projected timeline |
|
|
Manage filing and coordination of Australian satellite systems |
Ongoing |
No change to projected timeline |
|
|
Low interference potential devices (LIPD) |
Consider proposed update of the LIPD class licence in response to industry requests |
Q3 2019
|
Completed |
|
Internet of Things (IoT) |
Facilitate early access to the 928–935 MHz band for low-power wide-area IoT applications |
Ongoing |
No change to projected timeline |
|
Spectrum licence technical framework review |
Start discussion with industry on a potential review of spectrum licensing technical arrangements in relation to new technology developments |
Q4 2019 |
Completed
|
|
Amateur service in the frequency band 5351.5–5366.5 kHz |
Discussion paper on implementation issues |
Q1 2020 |
No change to projected timeline |
|
Spectrum-sharing approaches |
Discussion paper and tune-up event on spectrum-sharing issues |
Q3 2019 |
Completed |
Table 4: Forward allocation work plan
| Project priorities
|
Proposed timelines & actions
|
Progress/update
|
|---|---|---|
|
26 GHz |
Q3 2019: recommendation to Minister |
Completed |
|
850/900 MHz |
Q2 2020: recommendation to Minister |
No change to projected timeline |
|
3400–3575 MHz |
Q4 2019 onwards: implementation of planning decisions |
No change to projected timeline |
|
28 GHz |
Q3 2019: planning decision |
Completed |
Table 5: Spectrum management practice improvements
| Project priorities
|
Proposed timelines & actions
|
Progress/update
|
|---|---|---|
|
Five-year spectrum outlook/Annual work program |
Q3 2019: publish final program
|
Completed |
|
Q2 2020: consult on draft work program for the next year |
No change to projected timeline |
|
|
Interference management |
Q4 2019: finalise interference management principles |
Delayed due to staged legislative reforms being considered by the portfolio |
|
Pricing review implementation |
Q4 2019: consult on draft spectrum pricing guidelines and potential new cost recovery proposals |
Delayed to Q1 2020 to allow for further consideration of related pricing matters |
|
Improving transparency of the spectrum planning framework |
Under consideration for 2019–20 |
Ongoing |
Table 6: Licensing and licensing systems
| Project priorities
|
Proposed timelines & actions
|
Progress/update
|
|---|---|---|
|
Amateur certificates of proficiency—update syllabi |
Q4 2019: establish a syllabus review panel |
Completed |
|
Changes to amateur licence conditions |
Q3/4 2019: amend amateur licence conditions |
Completed |
|
Trial of mobile phone jammers at Goulburn Correctional Complex |
Q4 2019: commence trial |
Completed |
|
Changes to VHF marine radio channels and their use |
Ongoing: work with industry, noting outcomes of WRC-19 |
Ongoing |
|
400 MHz band |
Final milestone period of the |
Ongoing |
|
Review of prohibition declarations and exemption determinations |
Q4 2019: consultation paper |
Moved to Q1 2020 due to re-prioritisation |
|
Changes to regulatory arrangements for counter-drone equipment |
2019–20: consultation |
Ongoing |
|
Explore the design of an area-wide apparatus licence |
Q3 2019: consultation on framework for an area-wide apparatus licence
|
Completed |
|
Q4 2019: implement framework for an area-wide apparatus licence |
Completed Q1 2020
|
|
|
Review non-assigned amateur and outpost licensing arrangements |
Q4 2019: consultation |
Moved to Q2 2020 due to re-prioritisation |
|
Review elements of existing apparatus licensing framework |
2019–20: consideration in the context of any proposed legislative reform |
Not proceeding due to staged legislative reforms being considered by the portfolio |
Table 7: Pricing
| Project priorities
|
Proposed timelines & actions
|
Progress/update
|
|---|---|---|
|
Implement spectrum pricing review |
Q4 2019: publish approach to implementing review
|
Delayed to Q1 2020 to allow for further consideration of related pricing matters
|
|
Q4 2019: consult on draft spectrum pricing guidelines and cost recovery proposals
|
Delayed to Q1 2020 to allow for further consideration of related pricing matters
|
|
|
Q2 2020: consult on draft approach to spectrum pricing formula |
No change to projected timeline |
|
|
Commercial broadcasting tax arrangements |
Assessment of taxes throughout 2019–20 |
Ongoing |
|
Preparation for review of Commercial Broadcasting (Tax) Act 2017 |
Q4 2019: announcement about review |
Delayed due to further portfolio engagement. Expected to start Q2 2020 |
|
400 MHz opportunity-cost pricing |
Continued semi-regular monitoring of band use |
Ongoing |
|
Adjusting apparatus licence taxes for inflation and removing the freeze on taxes for fixed services in remote-density areas below 960 MHz |
Q4 2019: consultation may be combined with consultation on the spectrum pricing review |
Completed |
Table 8: Compliance and enforcement
| Project priorities
|
Proposed timelines & actions
|
Progress/update
|
|---|---|---|
|
Compliance audits on small cell deployments by mobile network operators |
2019–20, Q1 2020: audit program |
No change to projected timeline |
|
Licensing integrity program: maximising utility of licensed spectrum use by addressing unlicensed activity |
2019–20, Q1 2020: spectrum monitoring program in 400 MHz to be operationalised |
No change to projected timeline |
|
Compliance audits focusing on suppliers of solar inverters |
2019–20, Q1 2020: audit program |
No change to project timeline |
Table 9: Consultation plans
This table summarises consultations flagged throughout the draft FYSO from July 2019 onwards. The list of consultations is subject to change.
| Issue
|
Proposed timelines & actions
|
Progress/update
|
|---|---|---|
|
Spectrum-sharing approaches |
Q3 2019: discussion paper |
Completed |
|
2 GHz (1980–2010 and 2170–2200 MHz) review |
Q3 2019: discussion paper |
Completed
|
|
Q1 2020: possible options paper |
Moved to Q2 due to re-prioritisation |
|
|
3700–4200 MHz review |
Q3 2019: discussion paper |
Completed
|
|
Q1 2020: possible options paper |
Moved to Q2 due to re-prioritisation |
|
|
Feasibility of inclusion of 10.7–11.7 GHz in Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 2015— |
Q3 2019: discussion paper |
Completed |
|
Feasibility of deeming the Hobart RA3 community radio licence area the same as the Hobart RA1 commercial radio licence area for the purpose of digital radio |
Q3 2019: consultation paper |
Completed |
|
1800 MHz (1710–1785 MHz and1805–1880 MHz) in remote areas |
Q4 2019: discussion paper
|
Moved to Q2 2020 due to re-prioritisation |
|
AM to FM conversion for Riverland, Murray Bridge, Spencer Gulf North and Port Lincoln |
Q3 2019: consultations |
Completed |
|
General review of space licensing procedures |
Q4 2019/Q1 2020: consultation paper |
Completed |
|
Update on Radiocommunications (Foreign Space Objects) Determination 2014 |
Q3/4 2019: consultation paper |
Completed Radiocommunications (Foreign Space Objects) Determination 2014 |
|
Adjusting apparatus licence taxes for inflation and removing the freeze on taxes for fixed services in remote density areas below 960 MHz |
Q4 2019: consultation paper |
Completed |
|
Spectrum arrangements for small satellites |
Q4 2019: discussion paper |
Moved to Q2 2020 due to re-prioritisation |
|
Future delivery of radio services in Australia |
Q4 2019: consult on draft findings |
Completed. Further engagement with the industry on radio delivery in Q2 2020 |
|
AM to FM conversion proposals in Taree and Grafton |
Q4 2019 consultations |
Taree:
Grafton:
|
|
Review of prohibition declarations and exemption determinations |
Q4 2019: consultation paper |
Moved to Q1 2020 due to re-prioritisation |
|
Spectrum pricing guidelines |
Q4 2019: consultation paper |
Delayed to Q1 2020 to allow for further consideration of related pricing matters |
|
Non-assigned amateur and outpost licensing arrangements |
Q4 2019 |
Moved to Q2 2020 due to re-prioritisation |
|
Digital radio channel plans (DRCPs) for several regional radio licence areas |
Q1 2020 |
No interest has been received for formal DRCPs apart from the Gold Coast. Gold Coast consultation expected Q2 2020 |
|
Establish principles for determining whether specified community radio licence areas should be deemed to be the same as specified commercial radio licence areas for the purpose of digital radio |
Q1 2020: consultation paper |
No change to projected timeline |
|
Amateur service in the frequency band 5351.5–5366.5 kHz |
Q1 2020: discussion paper on implementation issues |
No change to projected timeline |
|
Potential for replanning analog radio services in Perth, following the clearance of Band II television in Bunbury |
Q2 2020: consultation paper |
Re-prioritised to 2020–21 to allow further engagement with industry on the future delivery of radio |
|
Draft approach to new spectrum pricing formula |
Q2 2020: consultation |
No change to projected timeline |
|
Five-year spectrum outlook/Annual work program |
Q2 2020: consultation on draft |
No change to projected timeline |
|
Further changes to regulatory arrangements for counter-drone equipment |
2019–20 |
Ongoing |