ACMA Media Release
132 /2010
Page 1 of 2
21 October 2010
ACMA to re-plan part of the 2.5GHz band and retain
capacity for electronic news gathering
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has decided to re-plan part of
the 2.5 GHz band to facilitate new uses such as wireless access services (WAS),
while retaining parts of the band used by current licensees for electronic news
gathering (ENG). A range of other bands will be made available to maintain ENG
service delivery equivalence to that currently provided.
‘This decision provides long-term certainty for the current incumbent licensees in
the 2.5 GHz band, while nonetheless opening up the band for wireless access
services and aligning Australia with international standards,’ said ACMA Chairman,
Chris Chapman. ‘The retention of the mid-band gap for ENG-use is a world-first
initiative—and, in combination with access to alternate bands, should ensure the
continued provision of important news services to all Australians.’
The outcome is consistent with the preferred approach put forward in the ACMA’s
discussion paper Review of the 2.5 GHz (2500-2690 MHz) band and long-term
arrangements for ENG, released on 12 January 2010. The ACMA received 42
submissions to the discussion paper [LINK].
In its Response to Submissions paper [LINK]—published today—the ACMA
recognises that implementing new arrangements in the 2.5 GHz band and providing
long-term certainty for ENG services will affect a range of very important sectors in
the Australian economy. Those sectors include television broadcasters – free-to-air
and subscription – and the telecommunications and space industries, as well as the
Department of Defence.
‘The ACMA’s decision is the culmination of a number of consultation processes
conducted over the last five years. The ACMA considers its decision represents a
balanced approach which attempts to meaningfully address the competing concerns
of affected parties,’ Mr Chapman said.
Mr Chapman said there were still a number of important issues to be resolved,
ranging from developing sharing arrangements in the other bands through to the
timing of a price-based allocation for parts of the 2.5 GHz band. ENG operators
would not be able to relocate from the 2.5 GHz band until suitable arrangements
had been made in the other bands.
‘We are very appreciative of and informed by the contributions provided to us to
date and we hope that stakeholders will continue to engage constructively with us
throughout the implementation phase,’ Mr Chapman said, adding that the
complexity of the issues to be resolved, particularly in the development of
appropriate arrangements in bands other than 2.5 GHz, meant the implementation
phase is expected to continue over several years.
ACMA Media Release
132 /2010
Page 2 of 2
The ACMA will use a variety of forums to consult with interested stakeholders in
developing these arrangements. The ACMA will establish industry working groups
for the development of technical frameworks for new licences in the 2.5 GHz band,
schedule spectrum tune-ups and continue discussions with stakeholders on 2.5
GHz processes. A number of stakeholders who are likely to be affected by the
changing arrangements have already indicated in their submissions to the
discussion paper that they are willing to participate in these processes.
’The ACMA is committed to engaging openly and consultatively with its
stakeholders,’ Mr Chapman said. ‘If affected parties work constructively with us,
then we will more readily be able to develop appropriate arrangements that balance
competing needs.’
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Donald
Robertson, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980, 0418 86 1766 or
media@acma.gov.au.
The ACMA is Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and
telecommunications. The ACMA’s strategic intent is to make communications and media work in
Australia’s public interest. For more information: www.acma.gov.au.
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