Global Momentum Builds Around 450 MHz for Critical Infrastructure Broadband
Download (PDF) the 450 MHz Alliance RFI for devices.
The 450 MHz Alliance has released a consolidated international Request for Information (RFI) seeking LTE and 5G devices supporting 410 MHz and 450 MHz spectrum bands. The RFI brings together network operators and utilities from Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, reflecting growing global momentum around low-band spectrum for mission-critical and utility broadband networks.
Participating operators include national-scale deployments such as Germany’s 450connect (covering more than 95% of the country), utility-backed networks in the Netherlands and Poland, nationwide LTE450 operators in Denmark and Sweden, and emerging deployments in Saudi Arabia, South Africa and beyond.
The RFI focuses on building scale for the device ecosystem, including:
- Rugged smartphones and tablets
- Industrial routers and gateways
- LTE-M and NB-IoT devices
- MCX-capable mission-critical terminals
- Smart grid and telemetry devices
- Tracking sensors, cameras and drones
Forecast volumes across participating markets indicate substantial growth over the coming five years, particularly for LTE-M, NB-IoT and Cat-1/5G broadband devices. The objective is clear: align global demand to accelerate chipset and device availability in 3GPP bands b31/n31, b72/n72, b87/n87 and b88/n88.
What does this mean for Australia?
Internationally, 450 MHz is increasingly positioned as a strategic band for utilities and critical infrastructure, offering:
- Superior propagation characteristics
- Large-area coverage with fewer sites
- Strong in-building performance
- Suitability for resilient, sovereign private LTE networks
However, within Australia the broader 400–520 MHz range is already heavily utilised. Significant portions of 400–470 MHz are occupied by Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems, while SCADA and telemetry networks supporting electricity, water, gas and transport operations are widely deployed across the band. Additionally, 420–450 MHz includes Defence and Amateur service allocations.
As such, any potential future broadband refarming in this spectrum range would represent a long-term strategic discussion requiring national coordination, regulatory reform and careful consideration of incumbent critical services.
ARCIA will continue to monitor international developments in low-band mission-critical broadband and encourage informed discussion among members regarding long-term spectrum planning.
Members interested in the 450 MHz Alliance Device RFI are encouraged to review the document and consider engagement directly where commercially relevant.