ACMA Gears Up for Spectrum Battle Over 6GHz Band

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is preparing for a potentially contentious dispute between the Wi-Fi industry and telecommunications carriers regarding the utilization of a significant segment of radio spectrum. This anticipated clash revolves around the future allocation and management of specific frequency bands critical for wireless communication technologies.

ACMA has initiated its next five-year planning project by releasing a draft of the five-year spectrum outlook. This outlook will play a crucial role in shaping the future utilization of radio spectrum, particularly focusing on the upper 6GHz frequency band. The draft document outlines various considerations and proposals regarding spectrum allocation and management over the coming years, setting the stage for discussions and decisions that will impact telecommunications and wireless communication technologies in Australia.

The upper 6GHz frequency band is highly sought after by Wi-Fi vendors due to its ability to support 160MHz wide radio channels. This wider channel width enables Wi-Fi 6 equipment to achieve bitrates exceeding 9Gbps, facilitating faster and more efficient wireless data transmission. However, 5G operators are also eyeing this band for their own deployment plans, adding another layer of complexity to the spectrum allocation process. The competition between Wi-Fi vendors and 5G operators underscores the importance of careful planning and regulatory decisions to ensure optimal use of the spectrum while accommodating the needs of different stakeholders.

In order to address the diverse range of applications vying for access to the upper 6GHz frequency band, including Wi-Fi, 5G, and incumbent users like electricity networks, the ACMA anticipates engaging in extensive consultation to explore potential expanded use of the band. This consultation process is expected to foster robust discussion among stakeholders, allowing for a thorough examination of competing interests and the development of strategies to accommodate various users while ensuring efficient spectrum utilization and minimizing interference issues.

In 2022, the ACMA took a significant step by opening the lower 6GHz band for Wi-Fi usage, marking a pivotal moment in expanding access to spectrum resources for wireless communication technologies. Additionally, the ACMA has identified two other bands of interest: the 1.9GHz band and the 3.4GHz to 4.0GHz band. These bands are likely to be subject to scrutiny and potential regulation as part of the ACMA’s broader spectrum planning efforts, reflecting the agency’s commitment to managing and allocating spectrum resources in a manner that promotes efficient and equitable use while accommodating the evolving needs of various stakeholders in the telecommunications and technology sectors.

The 1.9GHz band plan is currently in the implementation phase, with a focus on accommodating various applications such as railway communications and wireless microphones. This plan reflects the ACMA’s efforts to facilitate coexistence among different users within the band, ensuring efficient spectrum utilization while meeting the diverse needs of stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the 3.4GHz to 4.0GHz band is set to undergo a phased opening for area-wide licenses (AWLs). This approach aims to enable the deployment of wireless broadband services across different geographic areas. The band allocation process includes four distinct phases: initially, the entire band will be allocated for AWLs in remote areas, followed by auctions for specific frequency segments in metro and regional areas. Subsequently, the 3.8GHz band will be allocated for AWLs in metro, regional, and rural areas. Finally, the band will also support “highly localized” wireless broadband services, indicating a flexible approach to spectrum management that addresses both urban and rural connectivity needs.

The growing mobile satellite service (MSS) market is gaining traction, prompting the ACMA to prioritize the allocation of licenses within the 1980–2005MHz and 2170–2195MHz bands. This focus underscores the agency’s commitment to facilitating the expansion of MSS offerings and enhancing connectivity options for users across various sectors. By allocating licenses in these frequency bands, the ACMA aims to support the deployment of MSS technologies and infrastructure, fostering innovation and competition in the satellite communications space. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to leverage spectrum resources efficiently and promote the development of advanced telecommunications services to meet evolving consumer demands.