{"id":"F2018L00222","name":"Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation—3.6 GHz Band for Regional Australia) Declaration 2018","slug":"radiocommunications-spectrum-re-allocation-3-6-ghz-band-for-regional-australia-declaration-2018","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":96858,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2018L00222-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name","content":"#### 1 Name\n\n This is the Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation—3.6 GHz Band for Regional Australia) Declaration 2018.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"#### 2 Commencement\n\n This instrument commences on the day after it is registered.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Authority","content":"#### 3 Authority\n\n This instrument is made under subsection 153B(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"#### 4 Interpretation\n\n> Note 1: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:\n\n (a) ACMA;\n (b) re-allocation deadline;\n (c) re-allocation period;\n (d) spectrum;\n (e) spectrum licence;\n (f) spectrum re-allocation declaration.\n\n> Note 2: See also section 5, in relation to re\\-allocation deadline and re-allocation period.\n\n (1) In this instrument:\n\n> Act means the Radiocommunications Act 1992.\n\n> Hierarchical Cell Identification Scheme or HCIS means the Hierarchical Cell Identification Scheme used as part of the Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012 document published by the ACMA on its website, as the document existed at the time this instrument was made.\n\n (2) In this instrument, a reference to a part of the spectrum includes all frequencies that are greater than the lower frequency, up to and including the higher frequency.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Spectrum re-allocation","content":"#### 5 Spectrum re-allocation\n\n (1) The part of the spectrum from 3575 MHz to 3700 MHz is subject to re‑allocation under Part 3.6 of the Act:\n (a) by issuing spectrum licences under Subdivision B of Division 1 of Part 3.2 of the Act (see section 153L of the Act); and\n (b) with respect to the named area in the table in subsection (3).\n (2) For this spectrum re-allocation declaration:\n (a) the re-allocation period is the period of 7 years beginning at the start of the 21st day after this instrument commences; and\n (b) the re-allocation deadline is the end of the day before the first anniversary of the start of the re-allocation period.\n (3) The area (named area) referred to in column 1 in the following table is to be ascertained as the composite of the areas, described using identifiers from the Hierarchical Cell Identification Scheme, set out in column 2.\n\n> Note 1: The HCIS is a naming convention for areas on the Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012 (ASMG), which is a system used by the ACMA to define geographic areas for radiocommunications licensing. A document describing the ASMG and HCIS, as well as spatial datasets describing each HCIS area could, at the time this instrument was made, be found on the ACMA’s website (http://www.acma.gov.au).\n\n> Note 2: A tool to convert lists of HCIS area descriptions, such as the list contained in the below table, into Placemark files to allow these areas to be visualised using computer mapping software could, at the time this instrument was made, be found on the ACMA’s website (http://www.acma.gov.au).\n\n```html\n

Area with respect to which this spectrum re-allocation declaration applies

Item

Column 1

Named area

Column 2

Areas forming the named area (HCIS Identifiers)

1

Regional Australia

CV, DV, IV, JV, JW, KQ, KV, KW, LR, LV, LW, LY, MS, AU9, AV9, AW3, BU7, BU8, BV3, BV6, BV7, BV8, BV9, BW1, BW2, BW3, BW5, BW6, CW1, CW2, CW3, CW4, DW1, DW2, DW3, EV1, EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, EV7, FV1, FV2, FV3, FV4, FV5, GV1, GV2, GV3, GV6, HV1, HV2, HV3, HV4, HV5, HV6, HV8, HV9, HW3, HW6, IW1, IW2, IW4, IW5, IW7, IW8, IW9, JX1, JX2, JX3, JX5, JX6, KO1, KO4, KO5, KO7, KO8, KP1, KP2, KP4, KP5, KP6, KP7, KP8, KP9, KX1, KX2, KX4, KX5, KX8, KX9, KY2, KY3, KY6, LP4, LP7, LQ1, LQ2, LQ4, LQ5, LQ7, LQ8, LX2, LX3, LX5, LX6, LX7, LX8, LX9, LZ1, LZ2, LZ3, MR1, MR4, MR5, MR7, MR8, MR9, MT1, MT2, MT3, MT6, MT7, MT8, MT9, MU1, MU2, MU3, MU4, MU7, MU8, MU9, MV1, MV2, MV4, MV5, MV6, MV7, MV8, MW1, MW2, MW6, MW7, MW8, MW9, MX1, MX2, MX3, MX4, MX7, MY1, MY4, MY7, MZ1, NS4, NS7, NS8, NS9, NT1, NT2, NT3, NT4, NT7, NU1, NU2, NU4, NU5, NU6, NU8, NU9, NV1, NV2, NV3, NV5, AU6I, AU6J, AU6K, AU6L, AU6M, AU6N, AU6O, AU6P, BU4H, BU4I, BU4J, BU4K, BU4L, BU4M, BU4N, BU4O, BU4P, BU5E, BU5F, BU5G, BU5H, BU5I, BU5J, BU5K, BU5L, BU5M, BU5N, BU5O, BU5P, BU9A, BU9B, BU9E, BU9F, BU9I, BU9J, BU9M, BU9N, BV2C, BV2D, BV2G, BV2H, BV2K, BV2L, BV2O, BV2P, BV4M, BV4N, BV4O, BV4P, BV5C, BV5D, BV5G, BV5H, BV5K, BV5L, BV5M, BV5N, BV5O, BV5P, IW3A, IW3B, IW3C, IW3D, IW3E, IW3F, IW3G, IW3H, IW3I, IW3M, IW6A, IW6E, IW6I, IW6J, IW6K, IW6L, IW6M, IW6N, IW6O, IW6P, KX3A, KX3B, KX3C, KX3D, KX3E, KX3F, KX3G, KX3H, KX3I, KX3M, KX6A, KX6E, KX6I, KX6J, KX6K, KX6L, KX6M, KX6N, KX6O, KX6P, LX1A, LX1B, LX1C, LX1D, LX1E, LX1F, LX1G, LX1H, LX1L, LX1P, LX4D, LX4H, LX4I, LX4J, LX4K, LX4L, LX4M, LX4N, LX4O, LX4P, MT4A, MT4B, MT4C, MT4D, MT4E, MT4I, MT4M, MT4N, MT5A, MT5B, MT5C, MT5D, MT5F, MT5G, MT5H, MT5J, MT5K, MT5L, MT5N, MT5O, MT5P, MU5A, MU5B, MU5E, MU5F, MU5I, MU5J, MU5M, MU5N, MU5O, MU5P, MU6B, MU6C, MU6D, MU6F, MU6G, MU6H, MU6J, MU6K, MU6L, MU6M, MU6N, MU6O, MU6P, MV3A, MV3B, MV3E, MV3I, MV3M, MV3N, MV9A, MV9B, MV9C, MV9E, MV9F, MV9I, MV9J, MV9M, MV9N, MW3A, MW3B, MW3E, MW3F, MW3G, MW3H, MW3I, MW3J, MW3K, MW3L, MW3M, MW3N, MW3O, MW3P, MW4A, MW4B, MW4C, MW4E, MW4F, MW4G, MW4I, MW4J, MW4K, MW4M, MW4N, MW4O, MW4P, MW5C, MW5D, MW5G, MW5H, MW5K, MW5L, MW5M, MW5N, MW5O, MW5P, NT5A, NT5B, NT5C, NT5D, NT5E, NT5F, NT5G, NT5H, NT5I, NT5J, NT5K, NT5L, NT5M, NT5N, NT5O, NT6A, NT6B, NT6C, NT6D, NT6E, NT6F, NT6G, NT6H, NT6I, NT6J, NT6K, NT6L, NT6P, NT8A, NT8B, NT8C, NT8E, NT8F, NT8I, NT8J, NT8M, NT8N, NT8O, NT9D, NT9H, NT9L, NT9P, NU3D, NU3E, NU3H, NU3I, NU3J, NU3K, NU3L, NU3M, NU3N, NU3O, NU3P, NU7A, NU7B, NU7C, NU7D, NU7E, NU7F, NU7G, NU7H, NU7I, NU7J, NU7L, NU7M, NU7N, NU7O, NU7P, NV4A, NV4B, NV4C, NV4D, NV4E, NV4F, NV4G, NV4H, NV4I, NV4J, NV4K, NV4L, NV4M, NW1E, NW1F, NW1G, NW1H, NW1I, NW1J, NW1K, NW1L, NW1M, NW1N, NW1O, NW1P, BV1A1, BV1A2, BV1A3, BV1B1, BV1B2, BV1B3, BV1C1, BV1C2, BV1C3, BV1D1, BV1D2, BV1D3, BV2A1, BV2A2, BV2A3, BV2B1, BV2B2, BV2B3, BV4I7, BV4I8, BV4I9, BV4J7, BV4J8, BV4J9, BV4K7, BV4K8, BV4K9, BV4L7, BV4L8, BV4L9, BV5I7, BV5I8, BV5I9, BV5J7, BV5J8, BV5J9, IW3J1, IW3J2, IW3J3, IW3J4, IW3J7, IW3K1, IW3K2, IW3K3, IW3L1, IW3L2, IW3L3, IW3N1, IW3N4, IW3N7, IW6B1, IW6B4, IW6B7, IW6F1, IW6F4, IW6F7, IW6F8, IW6F9, IW6G7, IW6G8, IW6G9, IW6H7, IW6H8, IW6H9, KX6F7, KX6F8, KX6F9, KX6G7, KX6G8, KX6G9, KX6H7, KX6H8, KX6H9, LX1K2, LX1K3, LX1K5, LX1K6, LX1K8, LX1K9, LX1O2, LX1O3, LX1O5, LX1O6, LX1O8, LX1O9, LX4C2, LX4C3, LX4C5, LX4C6, LX4C8, LX4C9, LX4E7, LX4E8, LX4E9, LX4F7, LX4F8, LX4F9, LX4G2, LX4G3, LX4G5, LX4G6, LX4G7, LX4G8, LX4G9, MT4F1, MT4F2, MT4F3, MT4F4, MT4F5, MT4F6, MT4F7, MT4F8, MT4G1, MT4J1, MT4J2, MT4J4, MT4J5, MT4J7, MT4J8, MT4J9, MT4O4, MT4O5, MT4O7, MT4O8, MT4O9, MT4P6, MT4P7, MT4P8, MT4P9, MT5E1, MT5E2, MT5E3, MT5E5, MT5E6, MT5E8, MT5E9, MT5I3, MT5I6, MT5I8, MT5I9, MT5M2, MT5M3, MT5M4, MT5M5, MT5M6, MT5M7, MT5M8, MT5M9, MU5C1, MU5C2, MU5C3, MU5C4, MU5C5, MU5C6, MU5C7, MU5D1, MU5D2, MU5D3, MU5D4, MU5D5, MU5D6, MU5K7, MU6A1, MU6A2, MU6A3, MU6A4, MU6A5, MU6A6, MU6A8, MU6A9, MU6E3, MU6E6, MU6E9, MU6I3, MU6I6, MU6I8, MU6I9, MV3C1, MV3C2, MV3C3, MV3C4, MV3C5, MV3C6, MV3C7, MV3D1, MV3D2, MV3D3, MV3D4, MV3D5, MV3D6, MV3D8, MV3D9, MV3F1, MV3F2, MV3F4, MV3F7, MV3J1, MV3J4, MV3J7, MV3J8, MV3O4, MV3O5, MV3O6, MV3O7, MV3O8, MV3O9, MV3P2, MV3P3, MV3P4, MV3P5, MV3P6, MV3P7, MV3P8, MV3P9, MV9D1, MV9D2, MV9D3, MV9D4, MV9D5, MV9D6, MV9D7, MV9D8, MV9G1, MV9G2, MV9G3, MV9G4, MV9G5, MV9G6, MV9H1, MV9H2, MV9H4, MV9H5, MW3C1, MW3C4, MW3C7, MW3C8, MW4D1, MW4D2, MW4D4, MW4D5, MW4D7, MW4D8, MW4H1, MW4H2, MW4H4, MW4H5, MW4H7, MW4H8, MW4L1, MW4L2, MW4L4, MW4L5, MW4L6, MW4L7, MW4L8, MW4L9, MW5B3, MW5B6, MW5B9, MW5F3, MW5F6, MW5F9, MW5I4, MW5I5, MW5I6, MW5I7, MW5I8, MW5I9, MW5J3, MW5J4, MW5J5, MW5J6, MW5J7, MW5J8, MW5J9, NT5P1, NT5P2, NT5P3, NT5P4, NT5P5, NT5P6, NT5P7, NT6M1, NT6M2, NT6M3, NT6M4, NT6M5, NT6M6, NT6N1, NT6N2, NT6N3, NT6N4, NT6N5, NT6N6, NT6O1, NT6O2, NT6O3, NT6O4, NT6O5, NT6O6, NT6O9, NT8D1, NT8D4, NT8D7, NT8G1, NT8G2, NT8G3, NT8G4, NT8G5, NT8G6, NT8H1, NT8H4, NT8P7, NT8P8, NT8P9, NT9C3, NT9C6, NT9C9, NT9G3, NT9G6, NT9G9, NT9K3, NT9K6, NT9K9, NT9O3, NT9O6, NT9O9, NU3A1, NU3A4, NU3A7, NU3A8, NU3A9, NU3C3, NU3C6, NU3C9, NU3F4, NU3F5, NU3F6, NU3F7, NU3F8, NU3F9, NU3G3, NU3G4, NU3G5, NU3G6, NU3G7, NU3G8, NU3G9, NU7K1, NU7K2, NU7K3, NU7K5, NU7K6, NU7K7, NU7K8, NU7K9, NV4N1, NV4N2, NV4N3, NV4N4, NV4N5, NV4N7, NV4N8, NV4O1, NV4O2, NV4O3, NV4P1, NV4P2, NV4P3, NV7A1, NV7A2, NV7A3, NV7A4, NV7A5, NV7A6, NV7B1, NV7B2, NV7B4, NV7B5

\n```","sortOrder":4}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument stays within a narrowly defined purpose: it declares that the 3575–3700 MHz band is to be re‑allocated under the Radiocommunications Act for a specified set of geographic areas (labelled \"Regional Australia\" by reference to HCIS identifiers), and sets the timing for the re‑allocation period and deadline (see s.5). It does not expand the Act's powers or add unrelated measures; rather it exercises the statutory re‑allocation power to target a specific band and area. There is no textual indication that the instrument has grown beyond that original re‑allocation purpose."},"complexity_factors":["Short instrument text but heavy reliance on external statutory provisions (references to Part 3.6 and Subdivision B of Division 1 of Part 3.2 of the Radiocommunications Act, and s.153L) - multiple cross‑references (see s.3 and s.5(1)).","Large number of HCIS identifiers used to define the geographic scope (the table in s.5(3) contains hundreds of HCIS area codes).","Dependence on external documents and datasets (Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012 and HCIS) hosted by ACMA for precise spatial definition (s.4(1) and notes to s.5(3)).","Timing rules with offsets: the re‑allocation period starts at the start of the 21st day after commencement, runs for 7 years, and has a re‑allocation deadline at the end of the day before the first anniversary — nested timing that requires calendar calculation (s.5(2)).","Defined‑term usage: several important terms are defined in the Act rather than in the instrument (e.g. ACMA, re‑allocation deadline, re‑allocation period, spectrum licence) requiring cross‑consultation with the Act (note in s.4 and s.5(1)).","Inclusion rule for frequency ranges (a reference to a part of the spectrum includes frequencies greater than the lower frequency up to and including the higher frequency) which affects boundary interpretation (s.4(2)).","Composite area definition (the named area is the composite of many HCIS areas) which can generate edge‑case complexity where sites lie on boundaries (s.5(3))."],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (in simple terms)**\n\n- Declares that the chunk of radio spectrum from 3575 MHz up to and including 3700 MHz is to be re‑allocated under the Radiocommunications Act (that is, it will be subject to the ACMA's re‑allocation process) (see section 5(1)).\n- States that the mechanism for re‑allocation is issuing spectrum licences under Subdivision B of Division 1 of Part 3.2 of the Act (see section 5(1)(a) and s.153L of the Act as referenced in the instrument).\n- Limits the re‑allocation to a named geographic area labelled \"Regional Australia\", which is defined as the composite of a very large list of area identifiers using the Hierarchical Cell Identification Scheme (HCIS) from the Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012 (see section 5(3) and the definition of HCIS in section 4(1)).\n- Fixes timing: the re‑allocation period runs for 7 years beginning at the start of the 21st day after this instrument commences; the re‑allocation deadline is the end of the day before the first anniversary of the start of that period (see section 5(2)).\n- Establishes that references to frequency ranges include all frequencies greater than the lower bound up to and including the higher bound (see section 4(2)).\n\n\nWho it affects\n\n- Current users of the 3575–3700 MHz band in the listed HCIS areas (possible existing licensees or equipment operators) — because the band is being declared for re‑allocation (section 5(1)).\n- Prospective spectrum licence applicants and providers of mobile/broadband services or other radiocommunications using that band — because the ACMA will be able to issue licences under the specified subdivision (section 5(1)(a)).\n- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) — because the instrument operates through the ACMA's powers under the Radiocommunications Act (see section 3; made under s.153B(1) of the Act).\n\n\nWhy it matters (mechanically, not politically)\n\n- It triggers the statutory re‑allocation process in the Radiocommunications Act for a specific frequency band and area (s.5(1)). That process is what allows the ACMA to change how that spectrum is licensed or to make it available for new licence types.\n- It creates a fixed timetable (21 days to the start of the re‑allocation period; a 7‑year re‑allocation period; a re‑allocation deadline one year after the period starts) which imposes scheduling constraints on incumbents and on any transitional arrangements (s.5(2)).\n- It relies on an external geographic definition system (the HCIS / Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012) to identify the exact areas covered; the instrument embeds the list of HCIS identifiers rather than including maps directly (s.4(1); s.5(3)).\n\n\nSource's stated purpose and the practical implications\n\n- The instrument (explicitly) makes the band available for issuing spectrum licences under the Act (s.5(1)). That is the stated mechanism for reallocating the frequencies.\n- Practical implications and trade‑offs to note:\n - Who pays: holders of existing rights in the band in the listed HCIS areas may bear costs if they must change operations, relocate, or vacate the band; prospective licence winners pay for obtaining and deploying services in the band (costs depend on how licences are allocated under the Act and any commercial arrangements ACMA requires) (s.5(1), s.5(2)).\n - Who decides: the ACMA implements the re‑allocation under its statutory powers; this instrument specifies the band, the areas, and the timing but leaves licensing design and allocation mechanics to the Act/ACMA (s.3; s.5(1)).\n - Behaviour changes: incumbents may accelerate migration plans or seek transitional arrangements; new entrants may plan bids or investments based on the published area list and timetable (s.5(2), s.5(3)).\n - Incentives & concentrated benefits: the benefit of newly available licences will be concentrated among entities that acquire them; costs (compliance, relocation) are concentrated on incumbents in the listed HCIS areas, while broader consumers may only see downstream effects (e.g., new services or pricing changes).\n - Transaction and compliance costs: the instrument's reliance on a long list of HCIS identifiers and external ACMA mapping tools increases administrative complexity for parties needing to identify exact boundaries and plan deployments (s.4(1); s.5(3) and accompanying notes).\n - Implementation risk: the ACMA must translate the HCIS identifiers into spatial files and manage any disputes or uncertainties at area boundaries; tight timing (21 days to start + 1 year re‑allocation deadline) may compress transition windows (s.5(2), notes to s.5(3)).\n\n\nKey legal mechanics to check if you are affected\n\n- Confirm whether your site or service sits inside any of the listed HCIS areas (the instrument lists identifiers; the ACMA's ASMG/HCIS documents and conversion tools convert those identifiers into map files) (s.4(1); s.5(3) and accompanying notes).\n- Note the timetable: count 21 days from registration to find the re‑allocation period start, then note the 1‑year re‑allocation deadline and the 7‑year re‑allocation period for planning (s.5(2)).\n- If you currently hold rights or equipment in the band in those areas, expect to consult ACMA materials and possibly seek transitional arrangements or participate in whatever licence allocation process follows from the Act.\n\n\nPrimary statutory references in the instrument: sections 3, 4 and 5 (the Authority, Interpretation, and Spectrum re‑allocation provisions). The instrument is made under s.153B(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (see section 3).\n\n"},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument appears tightly focused on its original purpose: re-allocating the 3.6 GHz band specifically for regional Australia. The scope is clearly defined by the frequency range (3575–3700 MHz), the licensing mechanism (spectrum licences), and the geographic limitation (Regional Australia HCIS areas). There is no evidence of scope creep — it does exactly what its title suggests."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive geographic data: The legislation contains a massive table with approximately 600+ HCIS (Hierarchical Cell Identification Scheme) identifiers defining the regional area — this is essentially raw data embedded in legislative text","External technical references: Relies heavily on the Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012 and HCIS, which are external technical documents not reproduced in the instrument","Cross-referencing to primary legislation: Multiple references to the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (Part 3.6, Part 3.2, section 153B, section 153L) requiring familiarity with the parent Act","Technical terminology: Uses specialised spectrum management terms (spectrum licence, re-allocation deadline, re-allocation period, HCIS) that require domain knowledge","Temporal complexity: The commencement and re-allocation timing involves multiple calculated dates (\"day after registration\", \"21st day after commencement\", \"first anniversary of the start of the re-allocation period\")"],"plain_english_summary":"This declaration reserves the 3.6 GHz band (3575–3700 MHz) for new spectrum licences in a defined \"Regional Australia\" area, opening those frequencies for mobile and wireless internet deployment outside major cities. It sets a re‑allocation timeline beginning 21 days after commencement (a seven‑year re‑allocation period) and includes an early deadline for completing the re‑allocation, affecting telcos, incumbent users, and regional communities."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-spectrum-re-allocation-3-6-ghz-band-for-regional-australia-declaration-2018","history":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-spectrum-re-allocation-3-6-ghz-band-for-regional-australia-declaration-2018/history","analysis":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-spectrum-re-allocation-3-6-ghz-band-for-regional-australia-declaration-2018/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-spectrum-re-allocation-3-6-ghz-band-for-regional-australia-declaration-2018/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-spectrum-re-allocation-3-6-ghz-band-for-regional-australia-declaration-2018/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-spectrum-re-allocation-3-6-ghz-band-for-regional-australia-declaration-2018/documents"}}