Fit-for-purpose legislation and investment in spectrum management and allocation are critical to optimise the economic benefit derived from spectrum.
The licensing and allocation of radio spectrum in Australia has been historically slow. For example, the process of reallocating the 'digital dividend' (the 694-820 MHz spectrum released in the process of transitioning to digital television) took approximately three years and 16 legislative instruments.
However, things have been improving. The new Radiocommunications Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Act 2020 (Cth) gives spectrum users greater flexibility, longer licence terms and a lower administrative burden.
Spectrum auctions will now be digital, with the ACMA investing $7.1 million in a digital auction and spectrum management system. This is an essential step towards faster and simpler radio spectrum selling and management.