Australia’s Government opens consultations on the spectrum future

The Australian Department of Communications has released a public consultation paper on the future management of spectrum in the country.

The Spectrum Review Potential Reform Directions paper is the next stage in the review of the spectrum policy and management framework to determine what changes are needed to serve Australia’s spectrum needs into the future. Spectrum arrangements that are efficient, responsive and sustainable are critical to boosting future innovation and productivity.

The directions paper sets out reform principles and 11 reform proposals for stakeholders to consider and comment on, including introducing a single licensing framework for spectrum.

The paper also includes a proposal to improve the transparency and accountability in setting spectrum policy. 

The Department of Communications is seeking stakeholder views on the proposals, including implementation issues and timeframes. The review is expected to report back in early 2015.