AMTA welcomes release of more 5G spectrum

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has welcomed telecom regulator the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) decision to allocate more spectrum for 5G services.

The mobile industry strongly supports the decision to reallocate the 3.4 and 3.7 GHz spectrum bands for 5G, AMTA CEO Louise Hyland said.

“Spectrum is a national asset, and the efficient use of spectrum is vital to enabling communications for business and consumers across Australia, as well as driving economic growth for the country,” she said.

“This decision clearly demonstrates that the ACMA is delivering on its work program to tidy up and release additional spectrum in C-band (3.4–4 GHz), which is spectrum that has been designated globally for 5G.”

Hyland noted that the Coleago Consulting report on IMT mid-band spectrum demand for 5G identified the need for an additional 527 to 757 MHz of mid-band spectrum in Sydney by 2025–30, with similar quanta needed in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Allocating spectrum in the band will also enhance existing 5G coverage in regional areas and benefit the agriculture, industry and business sectors, Hyland said.

“The availability of 5G in rural areas will enable early adoption for consumers, businesses and our agriculture sector,” she said. “5G has been designed to meet the continuing growth in demand for data and connectivity from industries, like agriculture, by offering mobility, stability and speed.”

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