Innovation in exports and the shift to digital is supported and promoted
Action 4.1F
The Government will accelerate deployment of 5G infrastructure by improving the allocation and management of spectrum.
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
recommendation/s
Government assist industry to identify and accelerate the adoption of innovations in online service delivery.
Progress to date
In the 2020-21 Budget, the Government provided $22.1 million in funding to support the private sector to invest in 5G trials to demonstrate the value 5G will bring to the Australian economy. The initial grant round was open for applications from 19 February to 31 March 2021. Funding will be used to support emerging commercial use cases in key industry sectors such as agriculture, mining, medical technology and logistics.
In the 2020-21 Budget, the Government provided $7.2 million in funding to the Australian Communications and Media Authority to support the accelerated deployment of 5G infrastructure by improving the allocation and management of spectrum. In April 2021, the Government sold 358 of 26 GHz mmWave spectrum at auction. The Government is preparing to auction spectrum in the 850 MHz and 900 MHZ bands before the end of the year.