Federal government releases Spectrum Review Report

The federal government has released a report, prepared by the Department of Communications, on the future directions for spectrum management that outlines recommended changes to improve Australia’s spectrum management framework.

The Spectrum Review Report highlights the need to simplify the current framework to remove prescriptive regulatory arrangements and to support the use of new and innovative technologies and services across the economy.

The report recommends simplifying processes for new and existing spectrum users and increasing opportunities for market-based arrangements, including spectrum sharing and trading.

The three main recommendations are:

1. Replace the current legislative arrangements with streamlined legislation that focuses on outcomes rather than process for a simpler and more flexible framework.
2. Better integrate the management of public sector and broadcasting spectrum to improve the consistency and integrity of the framework.
3. Review spectrum pricing to ensure consistent and transparent arrangements to support the efficient use of spectrum and secondary markets.

The report is the outcome of a review conducted by the Department of Communications in conjunction with the ACMA and included extensive stakeholder consultation.

The government is currently considering the report and will prepare a response in due course. Stakeholder feedback on the report is welcomed.

The report is available at: www.communications.gov.au/spectrumreview.