Spectrum Framework Set For Update

A joint media release from Turnbull and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher notes that while spectrum “is a critical enabler of Australia’s current and future communications infrastructure”, the legislative framework for managing spectrum “has become outdated”.

“Implementing the review’s recommendations will reduce the regulatory burden on spectrum users by making interactions with the framework, including allocation processes, simpler and faster,” the release states.

“The reforms will put in place arrangements that can meet the future demands of spectrum users. The framework will be simpler, more efficient, flexible and sustainable to support new and innovative technologies and services while providing certainty of spectrum access rights for users.”

As such, the government will implement the three main recommendations of the review:

– Replace the current legislative arrangements with new legislation that removes prescriptive process and streamlines licensing, for a simpler and more flexible framework.

– Better integrate the management of public sector and broadcasting spectrum to improve the consistency and integrity of the framework.

– Review spectrum pricing to ensure consistent and transparent arrangements to support the efficient use of spectrum and secondary markets.