ACMA lays groundwork for upper 6 GHz spectrum band

Australia’s telecommunications regulator is to kick off a consultation exploring future access to the upper 6 GHz spectrum band by 5G and Wi-Fi technologies. 

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will start consulting on the future use of the upper 6 GHz band, spanning 6,425 – 7,125 MHz, in the first half of 2024. 

This will explore its use in 5G wireless broadband, Wi-Fi and new satellite technologies. 

“Spectrum sharing through careful planning and use of appropriate regulatory tools presents a unique opportunity to allow a diverse range of licensees to access spectrum, and help foster greater levels of industry partnerships through different spectrum-sharing arrangements,” ACMA said in its draft Five-year spectrum outlook 2024-29 (FYSO) report. 

ACMA said it has moved the upper 6 GHz band to the preliminary replanning stage. 

The lower 6 GHz band (5,925 – 6,425 MHz) has already been made available for use by radio local area networks (RLANs). 

ACMA said it is taking “consideration of new approaches to spectrum sharing” for the lower 6 GHz band when proposals are submitted.  

The Authority will also complete its program of allocations of 3.4 – 4.0 GHz band, which have been designed to accommodate a range of users and use cases. Applications for area-wide licences in the 3.8 GHz band are expected to open soon.

At the same time, ACMA is implementing its approach to the 1.9GHz band, which the Authority claims will mean various uses of the band can coexist.  

“For example, that will mean rail services and major entertainment events can have access to this band at the same time,” said ACMA member and spectrum lead Adam Suckling. “Performers at large concerts can use wireless microphones without the risk of interfering with the next generation of railway communications used by the trains bringing fans to the venue.” 

Meanwhile, standardisation work for 6G has begun, with ACMA stating it is continuing to “monitor developments in 6G technologies, with a focus on relevant implications for spectrum management”. 

As spectrum becomes more congested, ACMA said it may investigate using artificial intelligence (AI) to collect and analyse data, claiming this will lead to “opportunities for efficient spectrum use, such as new sharing techniques and greater coexistence among users and services”.  

ACMA cited UK regulator Ofcom as also considering the potential for AI and machine learning to “play a role in spectrum management”. 

ACMA is accepting feedback on its draft report, which is open for submissions until 22 April.