Canberra seeks input on ACMA's 800 MHz review

Attorney-General Robert McClelland has pushed ahead with scoping work that could see emergency services organisations given a block of 800 MHz spectrum in which to deploy their own mobile broadband network.

McClelland today released terms of reference for the steering committee it set up last month following a meeting between Government and industry officials.

The broad terms included to feed into the ACMA's review of spectrum in the 800 MHz band; "develop a national implementation plan" for a network to run in the 800 MHz band; and to "consult with industry stakeholders".

Australia's Police Federation had been seeking a block of 700 MHz digital dividend spectrum in which to operate a private mobile broadband network.

It had previously indicated to iTnews that it was unreceptive to the Government and telco industry's push to offer 800 MHz spectrum instead.

The steering committee was to report its findings to the Standing Council for Police and Emergency Management by 29 February 2012.