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Radiocommunications
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.
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 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.
Conversion of the 614-646 MHz (UHF-TV band) to a management right
Cabinet has approved the conversion of the 614-646 MHz spectrum band to a management right, in order to bring the licensing regime for UHF-TV broadcasters in the band into alignment with that of other UHF-TV spectrum. The change will take effect when new licence agreements have been concluded with existing licence holders. As part of the current Digital Television project, the new management right will eventually be absorbed into a broader management right that commences in March 2010 and expires in March 2020.
UHF-TV radio licence holders in the band who have licence agreements as non-commercial TV broadcasters with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage will be offered spectrum licences under the management right to replace their existing radio licences. Other licence holders will be informed by the Ministry of Economic Development of future arrangements. For further information please contact Radio Spectrum Policy and Planning at the Ministry (email radiospectrum@med.govt.nz or phone 04-474 2906)
Related links
Broadcasting portfolio Hon Jonathan Coleman - Minister
Ministry for Culture and Heritage - The Ministry for Culture and Heritage provides the government with policy advice on the reservation of spectrum for non-commercial broadcasting
Te Puni Kōkiri - 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.
Current issues
Digital land mobile radio in VHF and UHF bands
The Ministry of Economic Development has released a discussion paper to facilitate industry consultation on the introduction of digital LMR technologies into the commercial land mobile bands located in the VHF and UHF parts of the radio spectrum.
Consultation on spectrum options for control channels in wireless cameras
The Ministry of Economic Development has released a discussion paper to address the technical issues and possible licensing options for higher power control channels, as specifically used in Television Outside Broadcast (TVOB) operations involving longer range (up to approximately one kilometre) outdoor communication and control of wireless cameras.
806-960 MHz band replanning
A review of the non-cellular usage of the 806-960 MHz band of radio spectrum has been summarised in a discussion document that proposes changes to some spectrum allocations in the band.
Spectrum management in the radio licensing regime
The Ministry of Economic Development has released the findings from a review of Spectrum Management in the Radio Licensing Regime.
High Capacity Short Haul Point to Point Linking in the 70-90 GHz band
The purpose of this paper was to seek the views of those with an interest on options for future regulatory arrangements for high capacity short haul point to point linking in the 70-90 GHz band.
Managed Spectrum Park
Managed spectrum parks (MSPs) are intended to allow access to a number of users in a common band of spectrum on a shared and, as far as possible, self-managed basis. Ideally, they encourage efficient use of spectrum, innovation and flexibility and provide for low-cost compliance and administration over time.
Spectrum allocation for ultra wide band devices
Discussion paper on ultra wide band communication devices.
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.
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.
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.
Radio licences: security of tenure
The Radiocommunications Regulations have been updated to provide improved security of tenure arrangements for licence holders.
Spectrum allocations for broadband wireless access
Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) technologies, has the ability to carry a wide range of content in the form of data, music, video and Voice-Over-Internet Protocol. Most of the services available on wired networks can now be accessed via wireless technologies.
Technical coordination between managers
A technical discussion document was released on 25 May 2006 and provides further consideration of the issues identified and presents a number of proposals that may be used to improve technical coordination.
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.
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.
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 2007.
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.
Replanning the band 406.1 to 449MHz
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.
Spectrum allocation for public protection and disaster relief radiocommunications services
The Government agencies involved in Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) have a growing demand for mobile communications, which is driven by the increasing complexity of their roles and the need for greater security and interoperability with other agencies, both locally and internationally.
