3. Allocations at 400MHz

3.1 Current Usage

3.2 Future Demand

3.1 Current Usage

There are a number of sub-bands allocated to STL licences between 404 and 445MHz. The sub-bands 410 - 412MHz and 418 - 420MHz which were allocated to STLs have been re-allocated to mobile services to enable the expansion of trunked dispatch (TD) mobile radio as detailed in the POLDOC Spectrum Band Plan 003, issue 2.There are a total of 48 STL licences in these sub-bands and an embargo on any new licences. The policy document states that "Clearance of existing fixed services from this spectrum will be by negotiation between the TD operator who requires the spectrum and the incumbent operators."

There are three other sub-bands which provide a total of 4.8MHz for new licences.

In the 400MHz STL bands, channels are available with bandwidths of 75, 150 and 300kHz. Details of the current policy on assigning STL licences in these bands are contained in POLDOC Fixed 001.

Current and previous sub-bands available at 400MHz for new STL licences are summarised in the following table:

3.2 Future Demand

There has been very low demand for 400MHz STL licences in the last few years with an average of 1 licence being issued each year. This demand is not anticipated to change significantly in the foreseeable future.

2 POLDOC Spectrum Band Plan 003, Issue 2, 2004.