Business Update - June 2021

In this issue

•   Consultation: Planning for WLAN use in the 6 GHz band
•   Wi-Fi 6E devices in New Zealand
•   Managed Spectrum Park applications
•   MSP and regional/non-national consultation
•   Applications for new licences in the Managed Spectrum Park are now on hold

Consultation: Planning for WLAN use in the 6 GHz band

Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) is considering the best value use of radio spectrum from 5925 MHz - 7125 MHz. This consultation document outlines the preliminary thoughts of RSM on the future use of these frequencies in New Zealand and seeks your feedback.

WLAN use in New Zealand is accelerating which is creating a growing demand in spectrum for Wi-Fi, the most common type of WLAN device. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the reliance on Wi-Fi networks as more and more people work and learn from home.

Internationally there has been a lot of planning activities for the 6 GHz band, especially the bottom 500 MHz (5925 - 6425 MHz). There is growing interest in harmonising further spectrum allocations for unlicensed WLAN use. This is partly due to claims that current allocations of spectrum for WLAN devices will soon be insufficient.

Given the growing spectrum demand of WLAN and international developments in this band, RSM is proposing to allocate 5925 - 6425 MHz for WLAN use. To co-exist with the incumbent Fixed, Fixed Satellite, and Ultra Wide Band services, we have proposed two power limits for WLAN devices operating both indoors and outdoors.

For the upper 700 MHz (6425 - 7125 MHz) globally, there are both licensed and unlicensed options for the band. In addition, ITU has a study item in its WRC agenda item 1.2. Therefore, we propose to keep monitoring the international allocation and studies on this frequency band before making a decision.

Wi-Fi 6E devices in New Zealand

What is Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E has recently been standardised by the institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and operates in the 6 GHz band (5 925 – 7 125 MHz). Current Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices operate in the existing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrum bands.

Why isn’t Wi-Fi 6E available for use in New Zealand?
Radio transmitters need licences to operate in New Zealand. The use of Wi-Fi devices is licensed under the General User Radio License for Short Range Devices. Currently Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) has not yet approved using Wi-Fi in the 6GHz band.

Given the global momentum on Wi-Fi 6E, RSM is now considering the best value use of radio spectrum from 5 925 MHz to 7 125 MHz. Some administrations in Europe have authorised the radio spectrum band 5 945 MHz – 6 425 MHz for Wi-Fi 6E, while some administrations in North America have authorised Wi-Fi 6E to access the radio spectrum band between 5 925 – 7 125 MHz. At this time, the authorisation of spectrum for Wi-Fi 6E is not harmonised worldwide. RSM will be publishing a discussion document in mid-2021 to provide interested parties an opportunity to submit on the proposed options.

What are your responsibilities as a provider of Wi-Fi capable equipment?
Equipment cannot be supplied or marketed in New Zealand that has Wi-Fi 6E channels (above 5 925 MHz) enabled. Manufacturers / importers / distributors / sellers must ensure that users cannot re-enable Wi-Fi 6E channels. If the device can be configured from the Wi-Fi frequency regulatory database (wireless-regdb), then the NZ region should be set. This should prevent Wi-Fi 6E spectrum being used by the device. If there are either programmable settings that manufacturers / importers have access to, then all Wi-Fi 6E channels (above 5 925 MHz) must be locked out so that users cannot re-enable them.

Managed Spectrum Park applications

In response to arrangements being made to establish new ownership of MSP spectrum in parts of the Marlborough District TLA, applications have been received for radio spectrum licences in the 2.5/2.6 GHz Managed Spectrum Park (MSP) 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 negotiated by applicants.

Applications have been received from ThePacific.Net for licences which cover parts of the Marlborough District TLA

MSP and regional/non-national consultation

Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) is conducting a review of the operation of the Managed Spectrum Park (MSP) and, in conjunction, is considering options for future allocation of spectrum in regional areas.

Public consultation on these topics are now open. Comments should be submitted in writing, no later than 5pm on 13 July 2021. A decision document will follow and we will be making recommendations later this year.

Applications for new licences in the Managed Spectrum Park are now on hold

As described above, Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) is conducting a review of the operation of the MSP. The consultation and decision periods will take several months. In the interim, Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) is placing a hold on applications for new MSP licences.

Application rounds in progress (i.e. Notices 66 and 67) will continue under the existing rules. Further licencing will take place under revised rules. We anticipate that the MSP will be opened again for licencing in the fourth Quarter of 2021.

Any existing licence holders seeking non-notified modifications to their licences should approach the Crown Spectrum Asset Manager for advice.