Spectrum Review report released

The Department of Communications has released its Spectrum Review Report, recommending replacement of the Radiocommunications Act with a new Act and reforming the current licensing framework into a single licensing system.

"While the current framework is prescriptive about processes, the new Act would focus on the outcomes that should be achieved through spectrum management," the report explains.

In a joint statement, the Minister for Communications, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP and the Parliamentary Secretary, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said "the report recommends simplifying processes for new and existing spectrum users and increasing opportunities for market-based arrangements, including spectrum sharing and trading".

The report’s recommendations cover new legislation, a single licensing system, user involvement in spectrum management, improved compliance and enforcement measures, government spectrum use and spectrum pricing, among others.

It must be said that the implications for amateur radio licensing and the WIA are far-reaching.

The report resulted from a review conducted by the Department of Communications in conjunction with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Developing the report included extensive stakeholder consultation over 2014.

The federal Government anticipated that the report would be finalised in the December 2014 to January 2015 timeframe, but it was finally delivered in March.

The Government is currently considering the report and will respond in due course. Meanwhile, the Department of Communications has invited comments. The WIA will be sending a submission.

The Spectrum Review Report can be downloaded from this Link

The press release from the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary can be obtained at this Link

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