The last comprehensive review of the Act was in the late 1990s. Technology changes and increases in demand for spectrum since then mean it is now timely to reconsider how the spectrum is managed to ensure the most efficient and effective outcomes for New Zealand.A review of the Radiocommunications Act 1989 was signalled in the ‘Radio Spectrum Five Year Outlook 2012 – 2016’. This review is now underway and Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) has published a discussion document seeking views on issues with the current Act and whether changes are needed.
The discussion document assumes that the fundamental concepts of radio spectrum management in New Zealand remain sound. The document questions whether the Act achieves the appropriate balance between flexibility and predictability for users. The key areas of the radio spectrum management regime considered are:
- interference management
- competition regulation during spectrum allocations
- technical definition of management rights and licences
- regional division of management rights
- regulation of new technologies such as cognitive radio and white space devices.
Interested parties are invited to comment on the questions raised by the discussion document and any other matters related to the Act. Submissions should be sent no later than 1 October 2014 to radio.spectrum@mbie.govt.nz subject line ‘Review of the Radiocommunications Act 1989’
or
Review of the Radiocommunications Act 1989
Radio Spectrum Management, Policy and Planning
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
PO Box 2847
Wellington 6140
Download a copy of the Review of the Radiocommunications Act 1989 discussion document [1 MB PDF]
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