[LINK] Fwd: MR54-10: ACMA facilitates more efficient use of 400 MHz spectrum band by government agencies [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

[Antony Barry]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Australian Communications & Media Authority" <media at acma.gov.au>
> Date: 3 May 2010 9:41:42 AM AEST
> To: <tony at tony-barry.emu.id.au>
> Subject: MR54-10: ACMA facilitates more efficient use of 400 MHz spectrum band by government agencies [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
> Reply-To: media at acma.gov.au
> 
> After a comprehensive review of spectrum arrangements in the 400 MHz band, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has identified several segments for the exclusive use of government, primarily to support national security, law enforcement and emergency services. 
> 
> ‘Harmonising 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 the harmonisation of government spectrum in this band will mark the beginning of a new era in government radiocommunications use through the development of large, efficient, integrated networks for emergency services and other vital government objectives.’ 
> 
> Key outcomes of the review are detailed in the ACMA’s The Way Ahead – Decisions and Implementation Options for the 400 MHz Band paper, released today. They include the provision of harmonised spectrum for use by government agencies in the 403-470 MHz band, reduced channel bandwidth, the facilitation of new technologies, additional channels in the UHF citizen band and the alleviation of congestion in the band. 
> 
> The ACMA believes the final decisions achieve the objectives of the review while, very importantly, minimising the impact on existing users of the band. However, the ACMA acknowledges that transitioning to the new arrangements will be challenging for many users, and has therefore proposed in its paper transition plans for the new arrangements and is seeking comment on them. 
> 
> The ACMA will be holding a series of ‘Tune-Ups’ in all capital cities to detail its decisions and provide an open forum for stakeholders to further engage in the ACMA’s transition proposals. 
> 
> The Way Ahead – Decisions and Implementation Options for the 400 MHz Band paper is available on the ACMA website http://www.emailhosts.com/ct/ctcount.php?key=008987930097510900002125 The closing date for comment on transition plans is 6 June 2010. 
> 
> For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Donald Robertson, Media Manager on (02) 9334 7980, 0418 86 1766 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/400MHzreview. 
> 
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