Five-year spectrum outlook released

Demand for spectrum by fixed and mobile wireless access service applications is the focus of the revised Five-year Spectrum Outlook 2010-2014 (the Outlook), released by the ACMA.

The function of the Outlook is to outline the different types of radiocommunications services available in Australia, the issues affecting those services (including demand for spectrum) and the ACMA’s proposed strategic approach to addressing these potential issues over the next five years.

The inaugural Outlook was released in March 2009 to address the challenges of radiofrequency planning in a constantly evolving radiocommunications environment and to invite submissions for future updates.

The ACMA received 14 submissions during the open consultation period. Overall, the submissions were supportive of the ongoing developments of the Outlook. The Outlook was developed in light of the constructive input from industry.

A significant change of the Outlook is the inclusion of a more explicit, evidence-informed approach to analysing demand for spectrum.

Annual updates aim to keep the Outlook current and an accurate reflection of stakeholder views in a constantly evolving communications environment.

The Outlook summarises the ACMA’s spectrum demand analysis across a range of frequency bands and radiocommunications services to establish fundamental issues that may affect spectrum management in Australia over the next five years.

It also provides the ACMA’s preliminary assessments regarding these potential issues, and new projects are included for information and consideration.

The table provides a summary of the projects canvassed in the Outlook, which has a focus on demand for spectrum by fixed and mobile wireless access service applications.

The Outlook fulfils the ACMA’s commitment to:

• Provide a useful summary of important spectrum management policies and priorities;
• Provide greater insight and transparency for industry stakeholders;
• Facilitate discussion between the ACMA and stakeholders.

The Outlook is open to public comment at any time. However, to be considered for the 2011-2015 Outlook, submissions must be lodged with the ACMA by 31 August 2010.