Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022N00015:body:0:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022N00015
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 2912–6062

this band available to support 5G services. This 3.4-4.0 GHz spectrum complements low-band spectrum in the 700, 850 and 900 MHz bands, which facilitate wide-area network coverage, and high-band spectrum in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands (known as mmWave bands), which enable extremely fast, high-capacity services.
Additional spectrum will support improved services with greater speed and ability to support more subscribers. Spectrum management settings established by ACMA should support the deployment of new and innovative technology, including the ongoing deployment of 5G.

3.  Supporting a range of use cases and users
A Government communications policy objective in relation to the 3.4–4.0 GHz band is to support a range of use cases and users.
The Government recognises that there are a range of use cases and users, which may be supported by new and continued access to parts of the 3.4–4.0 GHz band. Wide-area subscriber networks, for example, provide mobile and fixed broadband services and are critical to Australians being connected, and are already supported through existing spectrum licences in parts of the 3.4–3.7 GHz range.
4G and 5G equipment availability in this band may provide opportunities for private enterprise applications, wireless internet service providers and other innovative operators. These services, alongside incumbent fixed satellite and point-to-point services, can be supported by ACMA administering efficient spectrum access arrangements that support a range of use cases and users, including an appropriate balance between wide-area and customised local services.

4.  Supporting digital connectivity and investment in regional Australia
A Government communications policy objective in relation to the 3.4–4.0 GHz band is supporting digital connectivity and investment in regional Australia.
The Government recognises that digital connectivity enables economic and social outcomes in regional Australia. Access to spectrum in regional areas is essential to the delivery of digital connectivity, including for innovative services.
The Government aims to provide the policy and regulatory conditions to support continued investment by business in regional Australia. The Government also recognises that the different types of licensing arrangements and allocation processes can contribute to, or detract from, this outcome.
To that end, spectrum management settings established by ACMA should take into account the needs of use cases and users in order to support the provision of important services outside the large metropolitan and regional centres.

5.  Promoting competitive markets
A Government communications policy objective in relation to the 3.4–4.0 GHz band is to promote competitive markets.
The Government recognises that spectrum allocation contributes to competitive markets. Promoting competition brings a range of long term benefits for Australians including increased consumer choices, downward pressure on prices and higher quality services. Spectrum allocation settings, such as price and allocation limits, can influence competition in spectrum markets and, subsequently, downstream markets.