We have received applications for radio spectrum licences in the 2.5 GHz Managed Spectrum Park band. Potential uses for this spectrum include wireless broadband services.

Since November 2010, parties interested in utilising this spectrum have been able to apply for access with sharing processes required to be negotiated by applicants.

Applications have been received by the Crown Spectrum Asset Manager from:

• Uber Group Limited, for licences with coverage in parts of the Far North District TLA area
• Lightwire Limited, for licences with coverage in parts of the Hauraki District and Western Bay of Plenty District TLA areas

Read about these applications in Notice 60

The government is renewing 3G and 4G cellular mobile spectrum management rights in the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands. Renewal offers are being drafted for the current licence holders, following MBIE’s consultation on the bands last year. The purchase price is set at $720,000 per MHz (excluding GST).

The renewed rights will take effect from April 2021. Existing rights in the 2100 MHz band will be offered back to Spark, Vodafone and Hautaki Limited. Telstra’s rights (10MHz) will not be renewed as the spectrum is not currently in use.

Partial renewal of the 1800 MHz band will be offered to Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees. The government has decided to partially renew these bands, and reserve 40 MHz for a later decision. Potential uses for this band include new technologies or a new communications network for emergency services.

A Tauranga man was fined $2250 in the Tauranga District Court for offences relating to the possession and use of unlicensed radiocommunication equipment.

On 24 of August 2018 Mr Elvis Johnstone was stopped by Police in the Whangarei area.  On search of Mr Johnstone’s car, police located a Baofeng UV-5R two way radio. When switched on the device was set to the same frequency as the Northland Police channel.

Charges were laid by Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) under sections 113 and 114 of the Radiocommunications Act 1989. Judge Harding imposed a fine of $3000, discounted by 25% for early guilty plea resulting in a fine of $2250 plus court costs.

National Manager for Radio Spectrum Management Fadia Mudafar says that disregard of the licensing framework has the potential to cause serious harm to radio communications.

“It is particularly important that Radio Spectrum Management protects safety and enforcement agencies’ communication networks. Malicious and harmful interference by unlicensed transmitters is very serious and we hope that this prosecution highlights the consequences of not following rules.”

Since this event, Radio Spectrum Management has taken further steps to stop unlicensed radio use. In October 2018 the Radiocommunications Regulations (Prohibited Equipment – Unrestricted Two Way Radio) Notice 2018 was introduced. This notice prohibits the import, sale, and distribution of unrestricted two-way radio equipment, other than by a permitted person.

Radiocommunications Regulations (Prohibited Equipment – Unrestricted Two Way Radio) Notice 2018