Radiocommunications

• List of Radiocommunications publications
• Work in Progress
• Recent Completed Work
• Latest Information
• See Also
• Within the Ministry

The Ministry is responsible for managing the radio spectrum on behalf of the government. The radio spectrum is an important resource, managed by the Crown on behalf of the people of New Zealand. The efficient use of the radio spectrum is essential for the functioning of a modern economy.

The main legislative vehicle for managing the radio spectrum in New Zealand is the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and its associated Regulations. New Zealand's regime for managing the radio spectrum was unique at the time of the passing of the Radiocommunications Act in 1989. New Zealand was the first country in the world to introduce a regime of tradable spectrum rights. Many other countries now operate similar spectrum regimes to that pioneered in New Zealand.

The Ministry allocates spectrum for commercial purposes under this regime based on the ideal that spectrum should be allocated to those who value it most.

Work in Progress

Digital Trunked Land Mobile Radio in the 800 MHz TS Band

The Ministry wishes to encourage the introduction of new technologies where they provide technical efficiencies and economic benefits to New Zealand. There are a number of digital technologies being introduced into the international land mobile radio market which may provide benefits in the 800 MHz trunked dispatch band in New Zealand. The discussion paper released on 10 May 2007 provides an opportunity for current users and other interested parties to comment on the most appropriate technologies, technical parameters and standards for use within this band.
→ Digital Trunked Land Mobile Radio in the 800 MHz TS Band

Review of 3G Spectrum Cap

The Associate Minister of Communications David Cunliffe announced on 27 January 2004 the Government's decision to continue the spectrum cap for a further period until May 2007 in order to facilitate competition in the future market for 3G mobile telephony services. On 26 January 2007, the Ministry invited comments from industry on consideration to extend the cap for a further three years. On 9 February 2007, after consultation with industry, the Minister of Communications announced the decision to extend the cap for a further three years.
→ Review of 3G Spectrum Cap

Radio Licences: Security of Tenure

The Review of Radio Spectrum Policy (completed in 2005) indicated that changes to the radio licence regime may be advisable to promote the highest value use of spectrum. Under the radio licence regime, licences have no guarantee of tenure. Radio licences may be revoked even though there may be substantial infrastructure deployed by licensees. The lack of security of tenure for spectrum under the radio licence regime may inhibit investment in wireless infrastructure by radio licensees.
→ Radio Licences: Security of Tenure

Technical Coordination between Managers

The Review of Radio Spectrum Policy in New Zealand indicated that an opportunity existed for the Ministry to take a more pro-active role in coordination issues. From a workshop on coordination it was apparent that there are three primary challenges to coordination: strategic interest, engineering issues and knowledge issues. These coordination issues may be resolved by regulatory prescription or through voluntary mechanisms. The Ministry has released a discussion document which provides further consideration of the issues identified and presents a number of proposals that may be used to improve technical coordination.
→ Technical Coordination between Managers

The Reallocation of Commercial Spectrum Rights at Expiry

In 2010, management rights and the spectrum licences issued beneath them will begin to start expiring. The Government has agreed on a policy whereby five years before a right is due to expire, the existing rightholder will be offered a replacement spectrum right at a price that reflects it current market value.
→ The Reallocation of Commercial Spectrum Rights at Expiry [link to MED website]

Renewal of Cellular Rights

The Ministry has commenced a case by case review on the reallocation of management rights for cellular services for the 800/900 MHz bands. A discussion paper on pricing and related arrangements has been released. Comments are due by 26 August 2006.
→ Renewal of Cellular Rights [link to MED website]

Renewal of Licences Suitable for AM/FM Radio Broadcasting

The Ministry is developing details of the renewal offers with the objective of issuing these by April 2006.
→ Renewal of Licences Suitable for AM/FM Radio Broadcasting [link to MED website]

UHF-TV Licence Renewal Project

Renewal offers have been approved for spectrum licences used for UHF-TV due to expire in March 2010.
→ UHF-TV Licence Renewal Project [link to MED website]

Spectrum Allocations for Ultra Wide Band Technology

Ultra Wide Band (UWB) is a new wireless technology developed to transmit large amounts of data over very short distances. Potential applications of UWB include but are not limited to high-speed wireless networking in the workplace or at home, imaging systems, and anti-collision vehicular radar.
→ Spectrum Allocations for Ultra Wide Band Technology

New Zealand Satellite Opportunities

As a member of the International Telecommunications Union, New Zealand has the ability to file applications for new satellites and is guaranteed certain frequency allotments. There is potential for commercial entities to work with the Government to develop new satellite infrastructure through satellite filings or utilisation of allotments.
→ New Zealand Satellite Opportunities

Fixed Wireless Access: Allocation of Crown-Retained Spectrum at 3.5 GHz

In December 2001 Cabinet agreed that the Crown should create and retain rights for two 3.5 GHz blocks suitable for fixed wireless access use. Licences in these retained blocks are to be made available for specific geographic areas. Associate Minister of Communications David Cunliffe has announced an allocation plan for the Crown-managed spectrum.
→ Fixed Wireless Access: Allocation of Crown-Retained Spectrum at 3.5 GHz

Recent Completed Work

Review of Radio Spectrum Policy in New Zealand

In 2004, the Minister of Communications requested the Ministry of Economic Development to conduct a comprehensive review of radio spectrum policy. The Review was completed in April 2005.
→ Review of Radio Spectrum Policy in New Zealand

Review of Spectrum Allocations for Short Range Devices

The Ministry has undertaken a review of the spectrum allocations for short range devices as covered in the Radiocommunications Regulations (General User Radio Licence for Short Range Devices) Notice 2003.
→ Review of Spectrum Allocations for Short Range Devices

Replanning the Band 406.1 to 449MHz

The Ministry is responsible for ensuring the ongoing economic, efficient and rational use of the radio spectrum managed under Part XIII of the Radiocommunications Act 1989, the administrative radio licensing regime. Effective radio spectrum management, due to the evolution of markets, technology and equipment capability, requires periodic band-replanning exercises to maintain and improve upon existing radio spectrum economy, efficiency and rationality. The Ministry released a discussion document on 21 October 2003, which provides the technical rationale for band replanning in the 406.1-449 MHz range.
→ Replanning the Band 406.1 to 449 MHz

The Adequacy of Competition Safeguards in Relation to Radio Spectrum

As part of its ongoing work programme, the Ministry has been interested in how competition safeguards for spectrum rights have been working, including the operation of the secondary market. In 2003 the Ministry commissioned a report from Australian firm, Market Dynamics, to assist its thinking on these issues.
→ The Adequacy of Competition Safeguards in Relation to Radio Spectrum [link to MED website]

Latest Information

• Digital Trunked Land Mobile Radio in the 800 MHz TS Band: Engineering Discussion Paper (10 May 2007)
• Radio Licences: Security of Tenure: Submissions on the Discussion Paper (released 27 March 2007)
• Fixed Wireless Access: Allocation of Crown-Retained Spectrum at 3.5 GHz
  • Update 22 February 2007
  • Final Results (15 December 2006)
  • Lots Remaining Unallocated at the Close of Allocation Round One (15 December 2006)
• Review of 3G Spectrum Cap: Media Statement: David Cunliffe Announces Further Extension on the 3G Spectrum Cap - Media Statement from Hon David Cunliffe, Minister of Communications - 9 February 2007
• Review of 3G Spectrum Cap: Consultation on Extension of 3G Spectrum Cap (26 January 2007)

See Also

• Communications Portfolio [link to Beehive website]
  • Hon David Cunliffe [link to Beehive website] - Minister
• Ministry for Culture and Heritage [link to MCH website] - The Ministry for Culture and Heritage provides the government with policy advice on the reservation of spectrum for non-commercial broadcasting
• Te Puni Kōkiri [link to TPK website] - Policy advice on the reservation of radio spectrum for the purpose of promoting Māori language and culture is undertaken by Te Puni Kōkiri.

Within the Ministry

The Radio Spectrum Policy and Planning Group, part of the Resources and Networks Branch, is responsible for the provision of policy advice on all aspects of the radio spectrum, including legislation, strategic planning and co-ordination of radio spectrum use, amongst many other functions. Operational functions are undertaken by the Radio Spectrum Management Group of the Business Services Branch. This includes a wide range of functions, such as spectrum engineering and planning, through to licensing users of the spectrum.