Executive summary

This report summarises the Ministry’s current view of the effectiveness of the current Radio Licensing Regime (RLR) to meet the changing needs of private and public users in order to maximise the value of spectrum to New Zealand society.

The Ministry released a discussion document entitled Spectrum Management in the Radio Licensing Regime in April 2009 to invite public feedback on Ministry thinking and to gather better information about the state of spectrum allocation under the Radio Licensing Regime.

In general, the evidence from stakeholders suggests that the regime as a whole is working well and wholesale changes are not desired. Nonetheless a few specific problems, such as congestion in K band fixed services [Studio to Transmitter Links (STLs) broadcasting links in the 915-921 MHz band] will warrant further consideration on a case-by-case basis.

Stakeholders largely endorsed the way the Ministry approaches issues, such as congestion, when they arise. Some interest was shown by submitters in potential options that may further improve the licensing regime.

This feedback has informed plans for further work, outlined in this report. The Ministry intends to strengthen its forecasting of trends in spectrum use under the Radio Licensing Regime through ongoing reviews of demand (in order to address bottlenecks before they occur) and with a more systematic and proactive approach to enabling new emerging technologies.