5850–5925 MHz (5.9 GHz band) Implementation: Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Development of spectrum access and licensing arrangements to facilitate the introduction of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). The ACMA released a public consultation paper in November 2009 outlining possible arrangements for ITS in the band. The ACMA has received input from industry and is now able to progress work on the finalisation of arrangements for ITS. Q4 2014 Medium 2015 26.5–27.5 GHz Expiring spectrum licence/band review: 27 GHz band Subject to outcome of consultation—activity to commence could be either an ESL or band review process. Active High priority Q4 2014
2015–16 Frequency range Work task Outline Status Priority Expected completion timeframe 168–174 MHz Band review: VHF television channel 6 Review of policy position regarding VHF television channel 6. Currently subject to Embargo 32, consideration required in the context of restack replanning and possible use by digital television channels. Inactive Low Q4 2015 380–400 MHz Implementation: Defence band Defence currently has exclusive use under footnote AUS101. In principle agreement between Defence and some federal government agencies has been reached to provide access to parts of this segment and is being progressed bilaterally Active Medium Subject to other agency considerations 406–406.1 MHz Monitoring: Support search and rescue Introduction of the Galileo GNSS expected for around and rescue uplink. - no new assignments to be made to national security, law enforcement and emergency services to harmonise government spectrum. Active Low No fixed date 1.5 GHz Band review: Potential future use by mobile broadband This band was identified as a candidate band for mobile broadband in Towards 2020 and is likely to be considered under the ACMA’s mobile broadband strategy. The 1.5 GHz band is under consideration for potential IMT identification under agenda item 1.1 of WRC-15. The ACMA will consider the outcomes of this issue at WRC-15 before progressing work domestically. Inactive Medium Subject to WRC-15 outcomes/ mobile broadband strategy 1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz Band review: Potential future use by mobile broadband. These bands were identified as candidate bands for mobile broadband in Towards 2020 and is likely to be considered under the ACMA’s mobile broadband strategy. Active Medium Subject to mobile broadband strategy
2014–15 Work task Outline Status Priority Expected completion timeframe Regulatory assessment: Mobile broadband strategy Development of a spectrum management strategy on mobile broadband services. Further information on the mobile broadband strategy can be found in parts 1 and 2 of this Outlook. Active High Q1 2015 Regulatory assessment: LPON services (87.5– 88.0 MHz) The ACMA is considering options for the future operation of LPON services resulting from the expiry of the drop through specified in the section 34 determination made under the BSA at the end of 2013. This project will involve consultation with industry and affected stakeholders. Active Medium Ongoing work program Implementation: Licence area planning (LAP), process review The ACMA is considering options to reduce the cost and complexity in licence planning including a review of the ACMA’s technical planning guidelines (TPGs), and the contents of licence area plans (LAPs). Active Medium Ongoing work program Implementation: Broadcast service planning. licence area plans (LAPs), television licence area plans (TLAPs) and digital radio channel plans (DRCPs) The ACMA responds to requests to vary LAPs, TLAPs and DRCPs to enable changes to existing transmissions, provide new transmissions extending or improving coverage, or to include new services. Ongoing work program Medium Ongoing work program Implementation: The Legislative Instruments Act 2003 (LIA) provides a regime (known as sunsetting) for the automatic repeal of regulations and other legislative instruments after 10 years unless action is taken to exempt them. Over the months and years ahead, the ACMA, like all other Commonwealth departments and agencies, will need to respond to the ‘sunsetting’ requirements of the LIA. Ongoing work program High Ongoing work program
2015–16 Work task Outline Priority Monitoring: Projected increases in the use of digital maritime HF data services may require additional spectrum allocations for future use The ACMA will continue to monitor the progress of HF data services and relevant technology developments. Options for planning arrangements will be assessed when spectrum requirements are known. Low Regulatory assessment: Infrastructure park The ACMA is undertaking research and analysis into the development of a type of ‘private park’ to be made available for smart infrastructure. Medium Band review: Smart infrastructure Building on the government’s smart infrastructure initiative. Identification of suitable spectrum is underway, with options being investigated within the band 803-960 MHz as part of the review of that band. High Regulatory assessment: The ACMA has commenced consultation on its regulatory response to address non-compliance. This work program is ongoing. Medium Regulatory assessment: Taxation arrangements for television outside broadcast services The ACMA has previously committed to reviewing the apparatus licence taxation arrangements associated with television outside broadcast services. This review is expected to commence in 2016, at the end of the current transition from the mid-band gap of the 2.5 GHz band, to new apparatus licence arrangements in alternative bands. Medium Regulatory assessment: Develop methodology for implementing in appropriate bands In January 2010, the ACMA decided to consider the use of opportunity cost pricing for annual fees for administratively allocated spectrum. Work has begun to develop a methodology for introducing opportunity cost pricing into various bands. Medium Monitoring: Whitespace Whitespace is a colloquial term used to describe ‘unused’ television channels and has traditionally been used by wireless microphones. There is now interest in whitespace for use by Wi-Fi-like systems. The ACMA is monitoring developments in this area and the review of the Radiocommunications Act might assist in the development of new regulatory approaches that would assist in the introduction of such technologies. Medium