Comms ministry wants to revamp spectrum legislation

The Department of Communications has proposed to overhaul Australia's spectrum management legislation to remove restrictions on the use and sharing of spectrum assets.

Spectrum refers to the radiofrequencies used for applications ranging from Wi-Fi to RFID to TV broadcasts to mobile communications.

The communications ministry has prepared a report asserting the need to simplify the current spectrum legislation framework to support the use of new and innovative technologies and services.

The report recommends replacing current legislation with streamlined rules focusing on outcomes rather than process. This is in line with the government's deregulation agenda.

It also recommends reviewing spectrum pricing arrangements to support the efficient use of spectrum, as well as spectrum sharing and trading.

Australia's current spectrum management framework was established in 1992. According to the report, the technology landscape has changed dramatically in the intervening years, so the framework needs to be modernised to reflect these changes.

The government is currently considering the ministry's report and plans to prepare a response shortly. It has also invited feedback from stakeholders as part of the review process.

Image courtesy hobvias sudoneighm under CC