5.1.2 Potential new users: 54-68 and 174-320 MHz

The 54-68 MHz band and the 174-230 MHz band will both be available for new uses after DSO. The International Radio Regulations provide for Fixed, Mobile, and Broadcasting uses. While the Broadcasting allocation was originally intended to provide for television broadcasting, a future possibility may be for sound broadcasting using digital techniques. Some countries are deploying the Europe-sourced DAB technology and Land Mobile services in the 174-230 MHz band.

There is no current evidence of strong demand for new services using the released VHF spectrum bands, although there may be unforeseen demands which occur in the next few years.

Without clear indications of potential end use it is considered inappropriate to develop either allocation policies or technical planning for a future allocation process. It is therefore proposed to defer consideration of potential new uses, with a review in five years or when clear demand becomes evident. A five year review would be one year prior to expiry of the current management rights. The spectrum would effectively be embargoed for any new use, but any residual secondary use such as radio microphones and the like would be authorised to continue.

Question 3

Do you consider any new spectrum allocation policies and planning should be developed to utilise the bands 54-68 and 174-230 MHz bands prior to the expiry of the current Management Rights in 2015? If so what services and at what time?