Business Update – July 2023

In this issue

Call for expressions of interest in FM sound broadcasting licences
Exclusive Rights Assigned in 3.30 – 3.34 GHz for Regional Broadband
RSM attends Comms Connect in Christchurch

Call for expressions of interest in FM sound broadcasting licence

Applications have been received for the following FM sound broadcasting spectrum licences:

Otahoua (Masterton District) 103.9 MHz, licence ID 404313, reserve price: $16,379 incl. GST
Kaikōura Peninsula (Kaikōura District) 98.7 MHz, licence ID 404049, reserve price: $1,761 incl. GST

Radio Spectrum Management is seeking expressions of interest in these commercial FM licences, closing 5pm on 1 August 2023. Interested parties should email the Crown Spectrum Asset Manager via the address below.

crownspectrum@mbie.govt.nz

Following this, decisions will be made to determine if the licence can be allocated by direct sale or by a competitive allocation process.

Exclusive Rights Assigned in 3.30 – 3.34 GHz for Regional Broadband

As a part of Radio Spectrum Management’s assignment of 3.3 – 3.4 GHz for regional and private networks, we have made available two 20 MHz channels (between 3.30-3.32 GHz and 3.32-3.34 GHz) for non-national / regional broadband.

The auction for exclusive rights in 3.30 – 3.34 GHz has now closed. Licences are now being placed by those who hold these exclusive rights. Following the initial 6-month exclusive rights period, the two channels will be available to any eligible users on a first-in first-served basis.

More information on this spectrum including fees and technical rules can be found below.

Regional Broadband Licences – Radio Spectrum Management

Please note that there is no compulsory frame structure and that LTE equipment use is anticipated in this frequency range.

An update to the License Authorisations in Section 4.8 (Regional Broadband in 3.3 GHz) of PIB 39 has been made.

Spectrum Licence Certification Rules for Crown Management Rights (PIB 39)

RSM attends Comms Connect in Christchurch

The Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) team recently attended the Comms Connect Conference held in Christchurch on 13 June 2023.

Commsconnect is a fantastic platform for RSM to provide updates on the various upcoming projects and their timelines. Attendees gained valuable insights into the future plans of RSM, allowing them to align their own strategies accordingly.

Furthermore, RSM took the opportunity to inform industry professionals about the latest developments surrounding the new Register for Radio Frequencies (RRF). We reassured attendees that their concerns were being taken seriously and that efforts were underway to resolve any issues related to the new RRF

It’s a great opportunity to catch up face to face with many of our licence holders and industry professionals. Such open dialogues help foster collaboration and ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page.