ACMA Seeks Industry Input on Upper 6 GHz Band Developments: Planning Options for RLANs and WA WBB Services
In a discussion paper out for comment at present (closing date 15 Nov 24) one of the items included is the outline of a new format for licensing WBB. With the recent restacking of the 3.4 – 4.0 GHz spectrum and release of the urban areas from the NBN Co spectrum licences, there are new sections of spectrum that are set aside for private WBB systems. From when the ACMA first raised the topic of the NBN Co spectrum re-use, ARCIA has continually presented the case that the best method to manage any potential interference issues between the major urban area licenses and the NBN Co fixed wireless services would be for private systems allocated by apparatus licenses, rather than general use by larger systems.
In this latest iteration, the ACMA are now outlining that the former NBN Co spectrum between 3400 and 3475 MHz will be allocated for HL WBB in the major urban areas of our capital cities. The HL WBB specifications are based on low power transmissions with limited coverage, primarily aimed at in-building or in-plant systems to ensure that interference potential is minimised. In addition, the licencing will handled similar to the existing point-to- multipoint (P2MP) allocations with spectrum fees similar to those services and frequency allocations basically over the counter.
This new format will also apply to the section of the band between 3950 and 4000 MHz in most areas of Australia to again manage interference potential with the adjacent spectrum of the major network operators. ARCIA has lobbied the ACMA for many years to have spectrum allocated for local private wireless broadband networks, and this new format suits the needs for private networks perfectly, with few restrictions on system operation. As indicated in the discussion paper, this will open the way for the next development of the industrial revolution with many industry sectors being able to achieve the efficiencies afforded by wireless broadband technology at reasonable cost.
If you would like more information the ACMA discussion paper is available here (see the second part for details) and you can send your thoughts to ARCIA if you wish to contribute to the discussion or comment on any of the opportunities. As a member driven organisation, we are pleased to see this outcome after many years of effort from the ARCIA committee and members.