AM/FM 2031 expiry and potential reassignment

We are seeking your feedback on the potential reassignment of spectrum licences for AM and FM radio broadcasting.

This consultation has now closed, and further updates will be made available on this page as they are available.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is responsible for managing radio spectrum in New Zealand, including allocating rights for the use of the spectrum. There are currently around 1,053 licences held within the AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation) spectrum bands. These licences sit within 2 Crown Management Rights:

  • AM (0.521-1.612 MHz) under Crown Management Right 206
  • FM (88.4-106.63 MHz) under Crown Management Right 207.

These 2 management rights, along with the licences registered under them, expire on 2 April 2031. We understand there is demand for spectrum access after the 2031 expiry, so this paper proposes options for the potential reassignment of these licences. We want your feedback on: 

  • the proposed policy objectives
  • the reallocation process and timeline for commercial broadcasting
  • pricing methodology and related assumptions for commercial licences
  • the duration of AM/FM licences beyond 2031
  • the allocation and reservation of the amount of spectrum available for non-commercial (community and iwi/Māori) AM/FM radio broadcasting beyond the 2031 expiry.

Relevant documents

Submissions

Submissions closed at 5 pm on 18 July 2025.

The following submissions were received: