The ACMA says that 5G mmWave spectrum is considered the next frontier in the rollout of 5G, and can send large amounts of data with minimal delay – allowing faster digital communication and new opportunities for connectivity and innovative uses supporting Australia’s digital transformation.

MmWave in the 26 and 28 GHz bands will support a wide range of 5G uses including for private and localised uses for transport, health, education, advanced manufacturing and mining, as well as wireless broadband, satellite and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The ACMA is facilitating a mix of licence types in the 26 and 28 GHz bands, including area-wide apparatus licences (AWLs), spectrum licensing in 26 GHz for dense deployment of networks in high population areas, and class licences for ubiquitous low power devices, with AWLs providing users a more flexible licence type that can be scalable to a licensee’s needs.

The ACMA said the round 1 allocation and issuing of AWLs will occur in the 26 and 28 GHz mmWave bands, across November 2020 and after the spectrum auction in the first half of 2021 for round 2.

Applications for Round 1 of AWL allocations open at 10 AM on 4 November 2020 and close at 5 PM on 17 November 2020.

For more information on the allocation of AWLs spectrum in 26 and 28 GHz bands, including taxes and charges, the technical framework, allocation process, and a full description of the AWLs offered in each allocation round, click here to see ACMA's applicant information pack.