Modernising spectrum management in Australia

The Turnbull Government today announced the outcomes of reviews on spectrum pricing and Commonwealth-held spectrum, paving the way for a more efficient and transparent spectrum management framework.

Spectrum is a finite resource that is essential to a digitally-networked economy and a major contributor to Australia’s economic and social wellbeing. The extent to which these benefits are realised will depend on how it is priced and allocated.

The recommendations in the two reviews were informed by industry consultation last year. These reviews are one component of the most significant reforms to Australia’s spectrum management in the last 25 years, being progressed by the Turnbull Government.

The recommendations will be implemented by the Department of Communications and the Arts and the Australian Communications and Media Authority as the independent regulator.

Key recommendations of these reviews include:

• developing new high-level principles on the efficiency of spectrum markets, using pricing mechanisms to allow spectrum to be put to its highest-value use, and increased transparency of spectrum pricing frameworks
• consolidating taxation legislation to support the Government’s objective to move to a single spectrum licencing framework
• creating a whole-of-government approach to managing Commonwealth spectrum holdings, supported by the establishment of an advisory committee comprised of relevant Commonwealth government agencies.

The Government continues to progress the modernisation of Radiocommunications legislation and will undertake further consultation with industry in coming months.  The Government expects to introduce a package of Radiocommunication Bills into the Parliament in 2018.

More information on the reviews is available at: www.communications.gov.au/spectrum-pricing-and-commonwealth-holding