The 900 MHz band is used for a wide range of services including cellular mobile telephone services, land mobile services, fixed services class licensed devices including radiofrequency identification devices.

This discussion paper was created to seek stakeholder views and ideas on potential changes to the 900 MHz band which include, but are possibly not limited to, the potential to:

• replan and reallocate the segments currently planned for global system for mobile (GSM) to improve both technical and allocative efficiency

• expand services, such as the 850 MHz spectrum-licensed segments or the adjacent land mobile segments, or enable new services in the 900 MHz band, such as the 850 MHz spectrum-licensed segments or the adjacent land mobile segments, using part of the digital dividend from 805–820 MHz paired with 850–865 MHz

• replan the land mobile segments so that they may reach their highest value use

• make spectrum available for smart infrastructure, or the possible expansion of the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) segment or other services in the band

• replan a number of segments in the band that are underutilised or unused due to allocations to outmoded technologies or unrealised applications.

Submission

The ACMA invites comments on the issues set out in this discussion paper, or any other issues relevant to the review of the 900 MHz band. Responses to the discussion paper will be taken into account by the ACMA in formulating more detailed options and strategies for the future use of the 900 MHz band.

The closing date for submissions is 24 June 2011.

Electronic submissions in Microsoft Word or Rich Text Format are preferred