The Australian Communications and Media Authority is releasing spectrum in the 3575-3700 MHz band (the 3.6 GHz band) to support the deployment of wireless access services in regional and remote areas of Australia.

The ACMA will lift the current spectrum embargo to allow applications for point-to-multipoint apparatus licences to be received in specific geographic areas. Applications will be accepted within an application period, with the ACMA to determine the order in which applications are to be assessed and coordinated against the assignment model.

The first application window will commence on 4 November 2009 for Area 1, the pre-defined geographic area covering areas of south-east South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and southern New South Wales. The ACMA will in due course invite applications for other pre-defined geographic areas.

Complete details on the allocation and application process, as well as the relevant technical documentation, can be viewed on the ACMA website.

The ACMA has also released today a Response to Submissions Paper that summarises the submissions the ACMA received in relation to the recent discussion paper titled Release of the 3.6GHz band for Wireless Access Services (WAS).

Responses to the discussion paper provided the ACMA with valuable information regarding technical issues as well as regulatory and other policy issues associated with the release of the 3.6 GHz band. Many of the suggestions and comments made by industry have been implemented in the various technical and policy documents associated with the release of the 3.6 GHz band.

‘In recent times, the ACMA has adopted this practice of outlining its thinking as both a fundamental courtesy to submitters and to maintain heightened transparency,’ said Chris Chapman, Chairman of the ACMA.

The ACMA announced its intention to allow the use of the 3.6 GHz band (3575-3700 MHz) for the deployment of wireless access services in regional and remote areas of Australia on 14 October 2008. The measure is intended to provide a short to medium term solution for the demand for broadband wireless access in these areas (MR 124/2008).

The response paper and submissions to the 3.6 GHz paper can be viewed online at the ACMA website.

Earlier this week the ACMA announced its intention to release spectrum in the 2 GHz band. The release of further spectrum in the 2 GHz band is intended to provide increased capacity for mobile telecommunications services, while the release of spectrum in the 3.6 GHz band will support the deployment of broadband wireless access services in regional and remote areas of Australia.