The upper 6 GHz band (6425-7125 MHz) has received significant interest, both in Australia and internationally, for the potential introduction of RLAN and/or WA WBB services.

In Australia, the upper 6 GHz band is currently used by fixed satellite services, point-to-point fixed links and television outside broadcast services.

Four policy options were explored by the ACMA in the Options paper: Future use of the upper 6 GHz band and the Outcomes paper: Future use of the upper 6 GHz band.

Option 1: Maintain existing arrangements, with potential reconsideration at a later date.

Option 2: Introduce arrangements to enable RLAN access to some or all of the upper 6 GHz band, via a variation to the Low Interference Potential Devices (LIPD) class licence. There would be no arrangements introduced for WA WBB.

Option 3: Introduce arrangements to enable WA WBB access to some or all of the upper 6 GHz band, under apparatus and/or spectrum licensing. There would be no arrangements introduced for RLANs.

Option 4: Introduce arrangements to enable both RLAN and WA WBB access to different frequency segments within the upper 6 GHz band, using the respective authorisation arrangements in options 2 and 3.

The ACMA determined that the preferred option was Option 4 as it represents the optimal use and greatest public net benefit that can be derived from the use of the upper 6 GHz band.

The ACMA estimates implementation of Option 4 will result in an increase in average regulatory costs of around A$38 million per year, over ten years – reflecting the estimated relocation costs for affected incumbent services.