Media Release: Bidding limits set for Australia’s next 5G spectrum auction

The Morrison Government has today announced allocation limits for Australia’s next 5G spectrum auction, which is scheduled to occur in March 2021. The 26 GHz auction will be the first time high band 5G spectrum will be made available in Australia.

The 26 GHz spectrum will allow for extremely high‑speed, short range broadband services, and complements the 3.6 GHz spectrum which Australia’s mobile operators are already using to deploy 5G services.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said 5G mobile technology is a critical enabler of a modern digital economy, and will be vital for such applications as robotics, automated vehicles, advanced manufacturing and the remote operation of heavy vehicles and equipment in resources and construction. It will also support the use of sensor technology which has many important applications, such as networks of soil moisture monitors on farms to allow improved yields while using less water. Within a set area, such as a farm or a factory, 5G can connect ten times the number of devices as 4G, which will support the Internet of Things.

“Australia has been among the world leaders in rolling out 5G networks. To maintain our position we need to make the necessary spectrum available as quickly as possible,” Minister Fletcher said.

“I have directed the Australian Communications and Media Authority to set allocation limits of 1 GHz. This decision was informed by advice and analysis from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and aligns with the Government’s communications policy objectives.

“Success in the mobile market ultimately depends on access to spectrum. Applying allocation limits means that the 26 GHz spectrum cannot be monopolised by any one operator.”

In addition to the auction of spectrum licences in the 26 GHz band, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has developed apparatus and class licensing frameworks across the 26GHz and 28 GHz millimetre wave frequencies that will support an innovative range of uses, including in fixed wireless and enterprise services, consistent with the Government’s communications policy objectives for this allocation.

The Morrison Government is also working to modernise the spectrum management framework, and intends to introduce legislation into the Parliament in future sitting weeks. The legislation provides a more flexible framework to enable the telecommunications industry to better adapt to future innovations and changing demand for spectrum, including the rollout of future generation mobile technology.

For more information visit: www.communications.gov.au/26GHzband