AM/FM 2031 expiry and potential reassignment

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

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

How to make a submission

Please send your written submission by 5pm on 4 July 2025. Please include your name or the name of your organisation and contact details. You can make your submission by email or post.

Email (preferred option)

Attach your submission as a Microsoft Word or PDF attachment and send to Radio.Spectrum@mbie.govt.nz, subject line: ‘AM/FM radio broadcasting submission’.

Post

Send your submission to:

Radio Spectrum Management Policy and Planning
Building, Resources and Markets
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
PO Box 1473
Wellington 6104

Contact us

If you would like information on the estimated population coverage for your company (across the total number of licences you hold), please email us: Radio.Spectrum@mbie.govt.nz. We aim to reply to you within 5 working days.

Please direct any questions you may have on the submissions process to: Radio.Spectrum@mbie.govt.nz