ACMA has been seeking information from incumbent spectrum licensees and prospective alternative licensees interested in that spectrum, about their current and potential future uses of the spectrum, and how these may promote, the long-term public interest. 

The ARA made a submission this week highlighting that rail spectrum licences have demonstrated that technology-flexible technical frameworks continue to enable multiple generations of radiocommunications technology – a feature that rail jurisdictions will make use of as they repurpose spectrum and migrate from older systems to current and future rail equipment standards.  

The submission summarises that rail operators have demonstrated that current spectrum management is working efficiently; that technical frameworks are flexible; and that spectrum is suitable for large private networks providing different kinds of services to that of mobile network operators.  

We look forward to continuing to work with ACMA to secure the spectrum that we need as our industry evolves into the future. 

The rail industry requires access to radio spectrum for rail safety and control communications. Around the country, licences start coming up for renewal from 2028.  

For more information, contact ARA General Manager – Passenger and Safety Jesse Baker.