Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) has begun a review of the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and is seeking views on how well the Act is working and what changes, if any, are needed.  The key areas of the radio spectrum management regime considered as part of the review are:

• interference management,
• competition regulation during spectrum allocations,
• technical definition of management rights and licences,
• regional division of management rights, and
• regulation of new technologies such as cognitive radio and white space devices.

We have published a Discussion Document outlining the issues being considered and ask for feedback by Wednesday 1 October 2014.

Workshops on the Act review will be held in Auckland and Wellington.  If there is sufficient demand, we will also hold a workshop in Christchurch.  If you would like to attend a workshop, you must register before 10 September 2014.

Download a copy of the Discussion Document or register for one of the workshops.

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A deadline of 1 November 2015 for the phase-out of 25 kHz LMR channels was set in 2009 to promote more efficient use of LMR bands, reduce congestion, and align New Zealand with international practice.

RSM have recently reviewed the deadline and have extended it to 31 December 2019 for all LMR licences operating in frequencies above 470 MHz (F band and TS band).

The current deadline of 1 November 2015 still applies to 25 kHz LMR licences operating in frequencies below 470 MHz (E, C and D bands). On 1 November 2015, all 25 kHz LMR licences operating in frequencies below 470 MHz will be revoked (except for licences used for SCADA and Data services in C and D band).

Letters are being sent to licensees giving details on affected licences and transitional arrangements.

The Radio Licence Policy Rules (PIB 58) has been updated recently and reflects the deadline change.

Read the FAQ's for further information
View the new issue of Radio Licence Policy Rules (PIB 58) – Issue 2.

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A new publication ‘Spectrum Licence Policy Rules for Crown Management Rights’ (PIB 59) has now been published by RSM and is available on our website.

Issue 1 of PIB 59 describes the policy rules in Crown Spectrum Management Rights for the granting of spectrum licences for sound and television broadcasting. Those seeking a spectrum licence must comply with these rules before a licence can be granted.

View the new publication Spectrum Licence Policy Rules for Crown Management Rights (PIB 59) – Issue 1.

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The provisional list of licences to be auctioned has recently been updated. The updated list is now available on the RSM website.

Parties interested in purchasing a licence that is not currently on the auction list, can advise RSM by emailing radio.spectrum@mbie.govt.nz. The last date to express interest in licences additional to those on the current list is 15 August 2014.

A final auction list, along with reserve prices and an auction date will be confirmed in due course.

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Applications have been received for access to radio spectrum 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 on a first-come, first-served basis, but with sharing processes required to be gone through by applicants.

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

• Wiz Wireless Ltd for additional licences with coverage in the Masterton, Carterton, and South Wairarapa District Council TLA areas, from Popoiti;
• Netsmart Ltd, for additional licences with coverage in the Dunedin City Council TLA area.

Read more information relating to these applications in Notice 31 on the managed spectrum park section of our website.

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On 22 July 1994, the Radio Inspection group in the Ministry of Commerce gained registration under ISO9001 for the provision of measurements for the management of the radio spectrum.

The group had developed systems and processes assessed and recognised by Telarc SAI Ltd as satisfying the quality control and improvement requirements of the ISO9001 standard.

A significant focus of this registration was inspection and testing of maritime radio installations for Maritime New Zealand and for classification societies such as Lloyds Register and Bureau Veritas, which work is now done by other parties. However, the need for RSM to make consistent, accurate measurements for interference resolution and compliance assessment purposes continues.

Registration certifies that the assessment body is satisfied that the Radio Spectrum Management system continues to meet the eight principles fundamental to an effective quality management system, as outlined in the ISO9000 standard series.

View the ‘Quality management principles’ document.

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