The Australian Communications and Media Authority commenced a consultation into whether to approve the use of uncoordinated earth station receivers in parts of the 2GHz and 28GHz bands.

Under this consultation, the regulator is proposing to vary the Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 2015 to permit 5MHz in the 2005–2010MHz frequency range. This is equal to 5MHz in 2195–2200MHz and the 27.5–28.3GHz frequency band.

Through the proposed arrangements, the upper 2x5MHz of the 2GHz band for narrowband mobile-satellite applications will be enabled. These applications include telemetry, short messaging, and low-data-rate services such as satellite IoT. Additionally, the proposal would support satellite systems with numerous or ubiquitous earth stations. All these without the need for individual coordination.

This means that earth station transmitters operating in this range would need to comply with specific requirements. These requirements include EIRP limits on emissions above 2010MHz. Nevertheless, this will allow the band to be shared by multiple satellite operators. All of this while achieving coexistence with other radiocommunications services. These services include television outside broadcast services in the adjacent upper band.

For this purpose, ACMA is proposing to phase in using the 2GHz segment. In this case, a 2GHz narrowband mobile satellite service will not be allowed to commence in metropolitan and designated areas before the first of March 2026.

Moreover, the regulator is also proposing to amend the Communications with Space Object class licence to include 27.5–28.3GHz frequency. In this case, the proposed changes are structured to reflect the outcomes of the regulator’s investigation into coexistence between ubiquitous fixed satellite services and fixed wireless services operating below 28.1GHz in defined population centres.

In addition, the regulator also proposed the imposition of technical conditions that would require an earth station transmitter operating in the 27.5–28.3GHz range to meet particular requirements. These requirements include power flux density limits for earth stations operating on aircraft and ships. The conditions also encompass geographic exclusions for land-based earth stations inside defined population centres and EIRP limits within 30km of defined population centres.

The regulator has also launched a consultation into changes to arrangements for television outside broadcast services. This is meant to reflect the outcomes of the recent 2GHz review. In this proposal, ACMA recommends the replacement of the current Television Outside Broadcast (1980-2110MHz and 2170-2300MHz) band plan with two new band plans.