The next major step in the Government’s process of setting the rules for industry access to vital new spectrum is the Digital Dividend Green Paper. The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has organised next week's industry briefing to update Members on industry efforts to gain clarity over this vital process.

AMTA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus, will speak at a Members Networking Forum in Melbourne on Thursday, June 4 -  the title of the address is: “What’s all the fuss about Spectrum?”.

This is an opportunity for AMTA Members to ask questions and comment on the spectrum requirements of mobile operators to meet consumer demand for mobile broadband services.

The Government’s Green Paper on Digital Dividend, was expected to be released in coming weeks, however, AMTA was informed this week that its release has been delayed. It will canvass issues surrounding the freeing-up of radiofrequency spectrum for other uses as new digital TV services are delivered with the transition from analogue by the end of 2013.

AMTA recently released a report by respected international consultant Spectrum Value Partners in association with Venture Consulting.

The report found that the Australian economy would be boosted by up to $10 billion if at least 120Mhz of useable spectrum unlocked from the Digital Dividend was made available for mobile telecommunications. The report derived an “optimal split” of Digital Dividend spectrum between mobile telecommunications and broadcasting use. The optimal split occurs when the net economic value generated from combined mobile and broadcasting services is at a maximum.

Mr Althaus said: “The Green Paper is an important opportunity for the Government to consider the issues surrounding the Digitial Dividend, which offers benefits in the overall national interest if this resource is used in an optimal way for both broadcasting and mobile telecommunications.”

The AMTA Forum will be held at 3.30-5.30pm on Thursday, June 4, at Ericsson Australia, Level 8, 818 Bourke St, Melbourne.

Download registration details here.