The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is to allocate 2.4 GHz of radio communication spectrum in the 26 GHz band for licensing of 5G across Australia.
Minister for Communications, Paul Fletcher said spectrum was a finite resource that was essential for the delivery of telecommunications services including mobile, television and radio.
“Advances in radio frequency technology have unlocked the 26 GHz band for use in new wireless broadband technologies, including 5G,” Mr Fletcher said.
“This declaration is consistent with a spectrum re‑allocation recommendation provided by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which is planning to allocate these spectrum licences by auction in early 2021.”
He said the re-allocation was part of ACMA’s broader plan to make spectrum available for 5G technologies in Australia through a flexible mix of class, apparatus and spectrum licensing.
“Making this spectrum available means that the Australian telecommunications industry can do what it does best — provide world-class telecommunications services for consumers, small businesses and enterprises,” the Minister said.
“5G will deliver speeds significantly faster than 4G and at much lower latency. It will support a range of current and future use cases, including streaming ultra-high definition video, teleworking from regional centres, and autonomous vehicles.”
He said ACMA would reallocate spectrum across 29 cities and regional centres in order to accommodate new wireless broadband services, including 5G, under spectrum licensing arrangements.
