The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), the peak national body representing Australia’s mobile telecommunications industry, has welcomed the ACMA’s decision on the reallocation of 3.4 and3.7GHz spectrum as helping to ensure that this valuable mid-band spectrum will move towards to its highest value use.

AMTA CEO, Louise Hyland said the mobile telecommunications industry strongly supports the ACMA’s decision to reallocate spectrum for 5G, as provided for in its recently issued Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation – 3.4 GHz and 3.7 GHz Bands) Declaration 2022, which recognises the ongoing criticality of sufficient and appropriate spectrum for mobile technology use.

“Spectrum is a national asset, and the efficient use of spectrum is vital to enabling communications for business and consumers across Australia, as well as driving economic growth for the country,” Ms Hyland said.

“This decision clearly demonstrates that the ACMA is delivering on its work program to tidy up and release additional spectrum in C-band (3.4 – 4.0GHz), which is spectrum that has been designated globally for 5G.

“The Coleago Consulting report on IMT mid-band spectrum demand for 5G identified the need for an additional 527 to 757MHz of mid-band spectrum in Sydney in the 2025-2030 timeframe, with similar amounts in Melbourne and Brisbane. This outcome from the ACMA is a positive step towards ensuring Australians will have the opportunity for a great 5G experience in years to come.”

AMTA also acknowledged the availability of additional spectrum in rural will enhance existing 5G coverage in regional areas and enable many new high bandwidth use cases in agriculture, industry and business across the country.

“The availability of 5G in rural areas will enable early adoption for consumers, businesses, and our agriculture sector. 5G has been designed to meet the continuing growth in demand for data and connectivity from industries, like agriculture, by offering mobility, stability and speed,” Ms Hyland said.

AMTA has previously outlined five ways that 5G can play a critical role in improving agriculture.

“The availability of sufficient timely spectrum will also have a significant impact on our economy, with a recent report by Deloitte Access Economics, 5G Unleashed, estimating 5G will increase Australia’s GDP by $67 billion by 2030, with an additional $27 billion to be realised if adoption is accelerated,” Ms Hyland concluded.