ACMA consulting on licensing arrangements for 1800 MHz rail services

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is seeking feedback on proposed apparatus licensing arrangements to support rail services in the 1800 MHz band.

1800 MHz band spectrum licences will expire in June 2028, and the application period for their renewal commenced on 18 June 2026. ACMA says its preferred view is that 1800 MHz band rail services transition to apparatus licensing arrangements and that relevant ESLs held by state rail authorities are not renewed.

The ACMA believes that an apparatus licensing framework will provide a balance of certainty for ongoing rail operation and flexibility to migrate to upgraded systems as they become available over the next 8–10 years.

To support this view, and following previous rounds of consultation, the ACMA is seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed apparatus licensing arrangements that would authorise rail services in the 1800 MHz band after relevant spectrum licences have expired.

The ACMA is also finalising arrangements in the 1.9 GHz band for rail services. The 1.9 GHz band is harmonised in Europe and the United Kingdom for next-generation rail services. It will provide nation-wide access to spectrum to support the deployment of 5G-based railway mobile radio equipment, including devices that will meet the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) specifications being finalised in Europe.

The proposed arrangements are detailed in a consultation paper available here.

Consultations close on 29 July.

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