The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is inviting industry organisations to be a part of a short-term advisory group to provide advice on technical parameters and sharing arrangements for narrowband mobile-satellite services (MSS) in the bands 2005–2010/2195–2200 MHz.
The role of the MSS narrowband group (MSSNG) is to help develop parameters that maximise use of narrowband MSS spectrum while protecting adjacent-band services, such as television outside broadcast (2010–2110/2200–2300 MHz) and earth station receivers (2200–2300 MHz).
The group is not required to achieve consensus on a specific set of parameters, but rather provide advice on possible options that will inform ACMA development of technical and licensing arrangements for narrowband MSS to be released for public consultation later this year.
2 GHz Review and MSSNG
The introduction of narrowband MSS in the bands 2005–2010/2195–2200 MHz is one of the planning outcomes of the ACMA’s 2 GHz replanning process.
The narrowband MSS arrangements are intended to offer opportunities for new entrants, supporting growth in the Australian space industry. Arrangements in Australia will support access on a shared or industry self-coordination basis, taking into account Australia’s international obligations and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) satellite network coordination process.
Importantly in Australia, satellite services are only authorised to operate if there is an ITU satellite filing for a satellite system. Operation of narrowband MSS in Australia will need to consider the impact on satellite systems operating outside of Australia.
Participation in the MSSNG is open to any interested parties from industry, government, and research organisations with an interest in narrowband MSS.
ACMA welcomes participants who can contribute information to the group on current and future devices and applications, and their technical characteristics, such as radiated power, bandwidth, duty cycle, number of devices and envisaged bandwidth requirements.
The group will operate via correspondence and will meet (virtually) as required over a 4- to 6-week period.
If your organisation is interested in participating in the MSSNG, please provide contact details (name and email address) of your nominated representative to satellite.coordination@acma.gov.au by Friday 23 July.