2. Background

There is increasing recognition that broadband is a key enabler of economic growth and development. The Ministry released a discussion paper in July 2006 to provide interested parties with the opportunity to comment on identified spectrum allocation opportunities for broadband wireless access in New Zealand. The paper noted that the bands at 60 GHz, 70 GHz, 80 GHz and 90 GHz were candidate bands for broadband wireless access in the longer term.

The Ministry released a follow-up discussion paper in September 2008 that focussed on the 70-90 GHz band. In the New Zealand context it is expected that access to the 70-90 GHz band would provide for a range of short-haul point-to-point links that would complement development of optical fibre networks and hence assist the delivery of broadband services to New Zealanders. For example, there are a number of buildings and structures requiring connectivity to support large bandwidths that are not yet connected to existing, relatively close, optical fibre. The 70-90 GHz radio technology may provide a cost-effective approach to bring connectivity to these locations. The discussion paper sought to clarify which spectrum allocations, technical standards, operating parameters and licensing mechanism were appropriate for adoption in New Zealand.

Following the close of the submission period, the Ministry contacted the submitters to clarify their submissions, discuss the issues they raised, and establish if consensus could be achieved.

Based on the submissions and clarifications, the Ministry has considered how best to manage the immediate demand for spectrum to provide services in the 70-90 GHz range while recognising the evolving nature of technological standards. The next steps in this process are explained in the final section of this document.