[LINK] Fwd: MR167/2010: Emergency services win from new spectrum plan [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

[Antony Barry]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: media at acma.gov.au
> Date: 23 December 2010 12:26:51 PM AEDT
> To: <tony at tony-barry.emu.id.au>
> Subject: MR167/2010: Emergency services win from new spectrum plan [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
> Reply-To: media at acma.gov.au
> 
> 23 December 2010 
> 
> Emergency services win from new spectrum plan 
> 
> State and Federal Emergency Services will be able to better interoperate as a result of new arrangements to harmonise government spectrum use. 
> 
> After a comprehensive review of spectrum arrangements in the 400 MHz band, the Australian Communications and Media Authority today released implementation plans and timeframes to facilitate to new arrangements in the band. 
> 
> The change should reduce congestion in the band, harmonise government spectrum, and promote greater opportunities for new and emerging technologies. 
> 
> ‘The harmonisation of government spectrum use in the 400 MHz band provides an unprecedented opportunity for significant gains in essential and emergency service interoperability between and amongst state and federal government agencies,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman. 
> 
> ‘The ACMA hopes that this harmonisation will mark the beginning of a new era in government radio communications use through the development of large, efficient, integrated networks for emergency services and other vital government objectives. 
> 
> ‘The review’s release also gives industry the certainty they need to plan for the future and take advantage of the longer term benefits offered by the new arrangements.’ 
> 
> The ACMA acknowledges that transitioning to the new arrangements will be challenging for many users, but believes strongly the implementation plans maximise the benefits of the review while minimising disruption and costs to existing licensees. 
> 
> It is intended to finalise transition to the arrangements by 31 December 2015 in congested areas, and by 31 December 2018 in others. 
> 
> The Way Ahead – Timeframes and Implementation Plans for the 400MHz Band is available on the ACMA website. 
> 
> For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Blake Murdoch, Media Officer, on (02) 9334 7817, 0411 50 4687 or media at acma.gov.au. 
> 
> # # # 
> 
> The ACMA is Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications. The ACMA’s strategic intent is to make communications and media work in Australia’s public interest. For more information: www.acma.gov.au. 
> 
> 
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