Australian telecoms regulator ACMA has launched public consultation on use of the 3.6-GHz band for 5G services.
The consultation seeks to determine the right balance between facilitating use of the band for 5G and other wide-area broadband users while protecting the interests of existing users of the spectrum.
Proposed mitigation measures include making 5.6-GHz band spectrum available to point-to-multipoint users including wireless ISPs, and establishing earth station protection zones to facilitate ongoing use of the 3.6-GHz band by satellite services.
ACMA said its current preferred option is to make spectrum in the band available in metropolitan and regional areas for new service.
The regulator will conduct a detailed assessment of the highest value use of the band before making its final decisions.
“In line with our established mobile broadband strategy, we want to make sure Australia is well placed to take advantage of the emergence of 5G technologies both in the cities and the regions,” ACMA acting chairman Richard Bean said.
“The ACMA acknowledges the strong interest in the 3.6 GHz band for 5G and other wide area broadband uses, while also recognising that there are existing services and licensees using these frequencies that want to continue operating.”