The ACMA is guided in its spectrum management functions by the objects of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and its Principles for spectrum management. The key theme of both objects and principles is to maximise the overall public benefit derived from use of the radiofrequency spectrum. The ACMA achieves this goal through a balanced application of market and regulatory mechanisms.
The principles for spectrum management are:
- Principle 1—Allocate spectrum to the highest value use or uses
- Principle 2—Enable and encourage spectrum to move to its highest value use or uses
- Principle 3—Use the least cost and least restrictive approach to achieving policy objectives
- Principle 4—To the extent possible, promote both certainty and flexibility
- Principle 5—Balance the cost of interference and the benefits of greater spectrum utilisation
The strategy for the 1800 MHz band supports all of the principles with each of the key issues supporting particular principles based on the technical or policy objective to be achieved.
Table 1: Principles for spectrum management
| Key issues | Principle 1 | Principle 2 | Principle 3 | Principle 4 | Principle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| * | * | * | * | * | |
| * | * | * | * | * | |
| * | * | * |
In addition to the principles, the ACMA considers a range of factors as identified in its spectrum management decision framework when making decisions about the use of spectrum (see Figure 1).
The ACMA’s view is that implementing the 1800 MHz strategy will:
- ensure that the band is allocated to its highest value uses, as defined by reference to the overall public benefit derived from the use of the spectrum
- clarify arrangements for access to the band by prospective licensees and promote efficient use of the spectrum
- clearly articulate spectrum management arrangements for the band, with certainty about those arrangements into the future
- promote specific licensing solutions that support and encourage greater efficiency in spectrum use.
The ACMA will actively discuss proposed arrangements with stakeholders to consider how best to promote certainty and flexibility in licensing arrangements. The ACMA will also seek advice from prospective licensees about how spectrum-sharing arrangements might balance the cost of possible interference with the benefits of greater spectrum utilisation and efficiency.
Figure 1: Spectrum management decision framework
