ACMA outlines mobile broadband spectrum plan

ACMA has outlined a new strategy to address the continued rapid growth in mobile broadband traffic.

The regulator has announced a spectrum management strategy to address growth in mobile broadband capacity demands beyond 2020, when 5G is expected to be commercialised, promising mobile data speeds in the 10 Gbps range.

The new strategy was developed following an industry consultation process and marks the latest iteration in a decade of work around mobile broadband spectrum management.

It signals a shift towards a greater reliance on a contingency planning model for spectrum management, where ACMA plans for a range of potential outcomes in terms of capacity growth.

According to ACMA, the new approach is intended to make the regular more flexible and responsive to the rapidly changing spectrum environment.

The publication of the strategy coincides with the upcoming end of ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman’s 10-year tenure as the head of the authority. His term ends at the end of this week.

“The need to accommodate growth in mobile broadband traffic has been one of the greatest challenges for the ACMA, and indeed all spectrum regulators worldwide,” he said.

“I’m really pleased that the authority last week confirmed this strategy and work plan, which I believe will enable the ACMA to continue to be a world-leading regulator in this space and deliver the necessary spectrum as and when needed.”

Image courtesy of James Morris under CC