Spectrum licences across a range of bands will expire between June 2028 and October 2032.
Our expiring spectrum licence (ESL) framework focuses on the use of the spectrum to promote the long-term public interest.
About the ESL process
In our Five-year spectrum outlook 2023–28 (FYSO 2023–28), we identified our ESL work program as a key priority. Most in-force spectrum licences will expire between June 2028 and October 2032.
The ESL framework includes a 4-stage consultative process to guide our assessment of options for use of the spectrum covered by ESLs and facilitate applications for renewal by incumbent licensees. It also outlines our decision-making process.
The table below shows the stages and timing.
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
|
Stage 1: Consultation on process
|
Q2–4, 2023 |
|
Stage 2: Information gathering, views on uses of frequency bands and alternative licensing conditions
|
Q1–4, 2024 |
| Stage 3: Preliminary views | Q4, 2024 |
| Stage 4: Preferred views, renewal application and decision making | 2025 |
Frequency bands with ESLs
ESLs in the related frequency bands below are used to deliver wireless broadband (WBB), rail safety communications, and electronic news gathering (ENG).
| Band | Licensees | Use-case/s | Beginning of renewal period | Licence expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 850 MHz original band | TPG, Telstra | WBB | 18 June 2026 | 17 June 2028 |
| 850 MHz downshift licence | Optus | WBB | 18 June 2026 | 17 June 2028 |
| 1800 MHz |
TPS, Telstra, Optus Railcorp (NSW), VicTrack, Queensland Rail, the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (SA), the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia |
WBB Rail safety communications |
18 June 2026 | 17 June 2028 |
| 2.5 GHz | Telstra, Optus | WBB | 1 October 2027 | 30 September 2029 |
| 2.5 GHz mid-band gap | ABC, Channel 7, Nine Network, Network 10 | ENG | 1 October 2027 | 30 September 2029 |
| 700 MHz | TPG, Telstra, Optus | WBB | 1 January 2028 | 31 December 2029 |
| 2.3 GHz | NBN, Telstra, Optus | WBB | 25 July 2028 | 24 July 2030 |
| 3.4 GHz (including new 3.4 GHz licences) | NBN, Telstra, Optus, TPG | WBB | 14 December 2028 | 13 December 2030 |
| 2 GHz | TPG, Telstra, Optus | WBB | 12 October 2030 | 11 October 2032 |