Although January is traditionally a quiet time for governments and policymakers, early 2010 has heralded a burst of activity on radiofrequency spectrum policy with two major spectrum papers released in the past two weeks.

However, the third and absolutely critical spectrum policy issue due for debate in 2010 relates to treatment of current 15-year spectrum licences which begin to expire in 2013.

Certainty of access to existing spectrum resources is fundamental to provision of current services and central to consideration of investment plans for new spectrum bands, which in turn are pivotal to the telecommunications industry ‘s ability to meet surging demand for mobile data services.

If anyone needed any reminding about the pressing need for certainty on existing spectrum licences and the need for sufficient spectrum to be released as soon as possible to support consumers’ demand for advanced mobile data applications particularly mobile broadband, new figures released this week underlined the burgeoning appetite for these services.

For example, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) 2009 Communications Report says mobile broadband subscriptions increased by 162% in 2008-09 while mobile data demand has pushed market penetration to 110% .

So in brief what’s in store in 2010?

• 2010 will feature a federal election campaign in which AMTA will be promoting the growing impact mobile telecommunication is having on the community and economy, as it gravitates to an increasingly central role in economic, social and environmental policy in Australia.
   
• As noted above spectrum policy discussions will feature heavily with dialogue yet to commence on 15-year licences, while processes are already underway on:

* the size and structure of the Digital Dividend – spectrum available following the transition from analogue to digital TV - often called the 700MHz band. responses due Feb 26 (see detailed article in this issue of Snapshot); and
 

* the future use of the 2.5GHz band – the globally harmonized mobile band currently not available to mobile carriers in Australia - responses due March 12 (see detailed article in this issue of Snapshot). Both these bands are vital to the future data carrying capacity, speed and provision of advanced applications and services over mobile networks.

• AMTA will continue engagement with the NBN processes to the extent that wireless will be a feature of the ultimate NBN design – while in the meantime mobile broadband will continue to grow as a complement to fixed services.
  
   
• The industry will also be seeking ongoing government commitment to a stable, predictable and a minimally intrusive regulatory regime that reflects the importance and growing impact on the community and economy of mobile telecommunications. To this end it will be vital for the continuation of consistent and integrated policies and regulations that facilitate, not inhibit, the adoption of innovative mobile telecommunications solutions. Such policies should continue to be developed and implemented through a co-operative approach and engagement with industry.
  
   
• An example of the diversity of mobile’s influence will be seen through an explosion of ‘smart’ devices, applications and content offered to consumers at highly competitive rates.

Other major issues of interest to AMTA will be:

• Progress with national E-waste policy;
   
• Review of infrastructure deployment code arrangements;
   
• The publication of the global mobile phone and human health study – Interphone;
   
• Resolution of inconsistent road rules governing in car use of mobile device functionality;
   
• Confirmation of industry approach to location based services;
   
• Engagement with policy considerations for pre-paid identification and retention of data in cooperation with law enforcement agencies.