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2300 MHz & 2600 MHz management right review

Existing Management Rights for radio frequencies between 2300 – 2395 MHz and 2500 – 2690 MHz will expire in 2030 and 2028 respectively. These frequencies are currently used for mobile cellular services (4G and 5G) and regional wireless services (such as regional broadband).

Before new rights are allocated, RSM is reviewing the management rights to ensure:

• operators have access to spectrum to maintain the connectivity needs of users
• New Zealand users can choose and use the best wireless technologies for their needs
• spectrum is allocated in a way that enables efficient use of the spectrum – from both a technical and economic perspective
• spectrum-related industries are competitive and enable innovation and growth that supports New Zealand’s economic development.

We are seeking feedback

As part of this review, RSM is seeking feedback on options for future use and allocation of the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands. The discussion document seeks feedback on: 

• Policy objectives for future allocations of spectrum in the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands.
• Band configuration options for the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands to improve spectrum efficiency and support emerging technologies. Submitters are invited to comment on the technical characteristics, current and future uses, and international trends that may influence optimal configuration.
• Approaches to allocation of spectrum on the expiry of the commercial Management Rights.  This includes options for allocation (by full renewal, partial renewal or no renewal), value in aligning approaches and the use of spectrum caps. These options aim to balance continuity for incumbents with opportunities for new entrants, while ensuring efficient spectrum use and alignment with policy objectives.
• Future of non-national rights in the 2600 MHz band and the trade-offs between updating the managed spectrum park licensing rules to continue non-national access and discontinuing the managed spectrum park and reallocating the spectrum for other uses.
• Terms of future Management Rights and the merits or trade-offs with setting Management Right terms to a 10-year term, with a right of renewal following a technical review, and alignment of expiry dates between different spectrum bands.

Options identified and analysed by RSM are set out in the discussion document below.

Feedback from the consultation will inform the review and help guide Ministerial decisions on future allocations in the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz band.

If you have questions about the submission process or the discussion document, email Radio.Spectrum@mbie.govt.nz.