Government sets objectives for 850 and 900 MHz bands

The federal government has released a set of policy objectives for the allocation of the 850 and 900 MHz bands, which aim to support 4G and 5G and a future Public Safety Mobile Broadband capability.

“These policy objectives will inform discussions with industry and guide upcoming decisions on the allocation of these bands, so they can deliver the services Australians need,” said the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher.

“It’s important that we get the policy settings right to balance existing uses of the spectrum, such as 3G and 4G services, whilst promoting competition and new technologies, such as 5G, for the benefit of all Australians.”

According to the federal government, the objectives “support the deployment of 4G and 5G technologies, promote competitive market outcomes for the long-term benefit of consumers, encourage investment in telecommunications infrastructure and support a national Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) capability”.

The ACMA will soon begin formal consultations on the next step for reallocating these bands. It will use the policy objectives to guide the consultation process in preparation for an auction in the second half of 2021.

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