If Australia is to achieve full participation in the digital economy, the Federal Government must ensure there is sufficient and appropriate radiofrequency spectrum for mobile telecommunications to meet future growth in demand for advanced mobile services such as Mobile Broadband, says AMTA in a submission paper.

The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has invited submissions on the digital economy’s future directions.

AMTA Chief Executive Chris Althaus said access to mobile broadband is critical if Australian businesses and individuals are to reap the full benefits of participation in the global digital economy.

Mobile broadband is also a global star performer and has huge potential to further extend the key role of mobile telecommunications in all facets of life through the union of two of the most influential technological developments of the digital age – the mobile phone and the internet.

A briefing note from analysysmason.com for the Mobile World Congress this week says:

Across Europe, 2009 will be the biggest year to date for mobile broadband market growth. European MNOs will add 22 million connections to their installed bases , and revenue will increase by EUR4.1 billion to EUR10.3 billion. The growth of the mobile broadband market was the most positive trend for the telecoms industry during 2008. It was facilitated by three factors: the deployment of HSDPA upgrades to 3G networks, the arrival of user-friendly USB modems and the introduction of more-affordable pricing, which was often driven by 3G-only market entrants with spare network capacity.

Mr Althaus said the geographic and demographic conditions in Australia are driving very wide economic mobile coverage and capacity and dictate that wireless broadband services are even more important here than in many otherwise comparable countries.

“Given the future demand projections, there is a crucial need to address future mobile growth trends from an infrastructure perspective. Radiofrequency spectrum is fundamental infrastructure for the provision of mobile telecommunications services,” he said.

“Without it, mobile service is not possible. Further, the type and amount of radiofrequency made available for mobile telecommunications will influence performance and service levels.

“The geographic and demographic conditions in Australia are driving very wide economic mobile coverage and capacity and dictate that wireless broadband services are even more important here than in many otherwise comparable countries.

“Given the future demand projections, there is a crucial need to address future mobile growth trends from an infrastructure perspective. Radiofrequency spectrum is fundamental infrastructure for the provision of mobile telecommunications services.

“Without it, mobile service is not possible. Further, the type and amount of radiofrequency made available for mobile telecommunications will influence performance and service levels.”