Media Release: Government sets spectrum objectives for 850/900 MHz bands

The Morrison Government has today released its policy objectives for the allocation of two spectrum bands to support the continued delivery of world-class telecommunications across Australia.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said spectrum is a highly valued yet finite resource and requires appropriate policy settings to guide decision making and maximise the use of the 850 MHz expansion band and 900 MHz band.

“Spectrum is a critical resource that underpins the telco services we rely on every day. These policy objectives will inform discussions with industry and guide upcoming decisions on the allocation of these bands, so they can deliver the services Australians need,” Minister Fletcher said.

“It’s important that we get the policy settings right to balance existing uses of the spectrum, such as 3G and 4G services, whilst promoting competition and new technologies, such as 5G, for the benefit of all Australians.”

The policy objectives support the deployment of 4G and 5G technologies, promote competitive market outcomes for the long-term benefit of consumers, encourage investment in telecommunications infrastructure and support a national Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) capability.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will shortly begin formal consultations on the next step for reallocating these bands, and will use the policy objectives to help guide the consultation process in preparation for an auction in the second half of 2021.

The Government’s policy objectives are available at: www.communications.gov.au/spectrum_policy_objectives