The Australian government is considering extending the spectrum rights of 2G and 3G mobile operators.
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has called a consultationto canvass industry views on whether existing allocations should be renewed or auctioned off again.
The first 15-year 800MHz and 1800MHz 2G licenses expire in June 2013, with 3G, MDS, broadband wireless and further 1800MHz licenses running out over the next four years.
Reallocation could "reassign [licenses] to achieve the highest value"&brkbar; and supports competition by providing an opportunity for new entrants to enter the market," the discussion paper said.
However, renewal would "provide certainty to incumbents and therefore encourage investment and innovation," and "minimize or negate the effects of service disruption to millions of consumers who currently use services offered on spectrum licensed bands."
There is more of an argument for renewing licenses for spectrum which is in use than spectrum which is dormant or under-used, the paper says, but the question of how to define an appropriate level of use then becomes a pressing issue.
"There are complex issues that will take some time to assess," Conroy said. "But work has already begun and I expect that the Government will be making decisions over the next 12 months on this important matter."
The paper said it expected much of the focus would be on the key 800MHz, 1800MHz, 2.1GHz, 2.3GHz and 3.4GHz bands.
Interested parties will have until June 19 to lodge a submission.