‘Extended MSS L band’ (1518-1525 and MHz) WRC-03 and WRC-07 allocated additional spectrum to the mobile satellite service (MSS) to complement existing ‘L band’ allocations used by numerous satellite operators. The upper and lower frequency ranges also have mobile and fixed allocations, while the upper band also has various meteorological, radioastronomy and space research service allocations. In Australia, channel planning arrangements are in place to support use of the band by fixed service Digital Radio Concentrator Systems. Inmarsat has identified an interest in utilising the extended L-band for MSS purposes from around 2020. Next steps The ACMA recognises the need to review planning arrangements in these bands to identify the spectrum use or uses that would maximise the overall public benefit, and if appropriate vary spectrum management arrangements to support this use. Given that coexistence with potential broadband use below 1518 MHz is likely to be a substantial consideration, the ACMA is of the view that the simultaneous review of the extended MSS L-band and the 1.5 GHz bands is likely to be appropriate. The ACMA currently expects to recommence consideration of the 1.5 GHz band for domestic use for mobile broadband and consideration of extended MSS L-band in 2018–19. Discussion paper no earlier than Q3 2018–19 2 GHz MHz and MHz) As an outcome of the review of the 2.5 GHz band, the ACMA developed arrangements to support the introduction of television outside broadcast (TOB) in the frequency ranges 1980–2010 MHz and MHz on an interim basis. In March 2012, the (TOB Band Plan) was made. The frequency ranges remain subject to Embargo 23 to support TOB and future replanning activities. the TOB Band Plan potentially facilitates MSS in the 1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz bands in Australia, there is a current embargo on services other than TOB operating in these bands. Inmarsat and Omnispace have indicated that they have (or plan to deploy) new 2 GHz band MSS services in the near future. Specifically, Omnispace has expressed an interest in providing services in Australia. Satellite industry representatives have also suggested that services similar to those to be provided by Inmarsat’s proposed satellite (Europasat) can be expected to be deployed in Due to priorities, further of work on this band will be deferred until 2010
Given the importance of aligning domestic technical arrangements with larger overseas markets so that economies of scale can be achieved and ensuring coexistence with global services such as passive earth observation, the ACMA is looking closely to international developments, particularly in Europe, to assist in determining what conditions are appropriate to consider in any Australian release of the band. In and April 2018, the Electronic Communication Committee of CEPT (ECC) consulted on a draft decision titled Harmonised technical conditions for Mobile/Fixed Communications Networks (MFCN) in the band 24.25-27.5 GHz. This draft decision addressed sharing and compatibility conditions to ensure coexistence with other spectrum users and included technical conditions to achieve this coexistence. It was previously thought that clarity on some key technical coexistence considerations, particularly regarding compatibility with the earth exploration satellite service (EESS) would be resolved in Europe during the first half of 2018, which would have informed domestic considerations in roughly the same period. However, outcomes of the European process are now not expected until sometime in mid-2018. This lack of clarity and uncertainty has contributed to the decision by the ACMA not to progress consideration of the band as fast as contemplated in last year’s FYSO. (See also discussion in the Forward allocation work plan for further details). Next steps The ACMA is considering what an accelerated process for the 26 GHz band would look like. This includes thinking into a range of potential options for both what should be allocated, in terms of specific frequencies and areas, and how the band should be allocated, in terms of which licence types should be adopted to meet a range of potentially varying wireless broadband use cases.
Which bands would you like to see prioritised for allocation under the planning scenarios from 2017–21 FYSO? Submitter 3.6 GHz 900 MHz 850 MHz expansion band mmWave 1.5 GHz Telstra Supports allocation of 900 MHz and a combined allocation of 850 MHz and 900 MHz, but lower priority than 3.6GHz and 26 GHz Interested in commercial negotiations to achieve the downshift, but the ACMA to implement the downshift at 850 MHz licence expiry if commercial agreement not achieved VHA Recommends pooling at least the 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz bands, and potentially the 850 MHz expansion band and the 1.5 GHz band, into a multi-band auction Strongly opposes reallocation of the 900 MHz band. Simultaneous allocation of 900 MHz and 850 MHz is ill-conceived, as they are not direct substitutes Accelerate clearance of the 850 band as incumbents no longer represent the highest value use NBN Co Does not support accelerating mmWave planning Communications Alliance Spectrum Satellite Working Group Encourage the creation of one or more earth station protection zones on the east coast, the North and continue interest in the West ACMA planning for mmWave (26 GHz) and 1.5 GHz bands should be concluded subsequent to international studies Planning should also take account of spectrum-sharing studies and satellite as well as mobile broadband AMTA Supports accelerating timelines for mmWave and 5G Supports continued band planning Inmarsat Interest in the 2 GHz band for mobile satellite services Don’t delay 1.5 GHz band access for mobile satellite
Supports the development of east coast earth station protection zones as part of the 3.6 GHz licence framework and take into account protection for all satellite bands Considers that the replanning of the mmWave bands should protect the primary allocation of 24.65– 25.25 GHz for BSS earth-to-space NSW Telco Authority Ensure 5 MHz paired of 850 MHz is not auctioned, so it is available for public safety agencies Motorola Solutions Decision should proceed to allocation with no further delay, given the previous ACMA decision on a PPDR allocation in 800 MHz Facebook Support for 5G Samsung Lower bands below 6 GHz (focusing on 3.6 GHz band) but also mmWave bands will be necessary to realize new services in 5G era, taking into account the varied ITU references and global investigations mmWave bands are required to provide wider contiguous bandwidth to support the high-data throughput that is an essential characteristic of the full 5G vision
Pricing Progress achieved Scientific-assigned licences Following a November 2017 consultation on taxes associated with scientific-assigned licences, in November 2017, the ACMA made a decision to reduce taxes associated with scientific assigned licences by 90 per cent. Spectrum licence taxes The ACMA is currently consulting on changes to spectrum licence taxes to account for changes in the indirect cost of spectrum management and census data. The ACMA expects to make the relevant changes before the end of Q4 2017–18. Subsequent changes to spectrum licence taxes will also be required to account for new bands to be spectrum licensed, such as the 3.6 GHz band. Apparatus licence taxes Adjustments were made to apparatus licence taxes to account for changes in census data and inflation, and to clarify the application of taxes for PMTS Class B services in external territories. The adjustments came into effect in April 2018. The ACMA will continue to make changes to the apparatus licence tax regime to account for matters including adjusting taxes for inflation. 400 MHz monitoring framework and opportunity-cost pricing After releasing a consultation paper in November 2016 on opportunity-cost pricing in the 400 MHz band, the ACMA has reviewed the monitoring framework for the 400 MHz band. The updated monitoring analysis indicates that demand growth has not been as strong as previously thought, in part reflecting a shift to the use of devices by licensees. Given this, a planned third increase to licence tax rates is not currently justified and will not be implemented. The demand monitoring framework has been updated and a response was published in Q3 2017–18. Monitoring will continue on a semi-regular basis and increases can be re-instated if demand accelerates. In releasing the response paper, the ACMA invited interested stakeholders to engage with ACMA staff on understanding more detail about the monitoring framework and how it could be applied. Feedback to the 2017–21 FYSO related to a number of potential changes to apparatus licence and the flagging of information about reviews in the FYSO. A number of submissions suggested that the ACMA should review spectrum pricing for particular services (such as satellite services in and Ku-bands, and HPON services). The ACMA anticipates that the general pricing review flowing from recommendation 7 of the Spectrum Pricing Review will address pricing adjustments required across a number of industries and spectrum bands. New/ongoing activities planned for 2018–19 The ACMA is implementing new tax arrangements for apparatus licences associated with the transmitters used by commercial radio and television broadcasters in the Broadcasting Services Bands. The changes result from the media reform package