Increasing demand for spectrum is a common challenge for regulators. One mechanism to address rising demand is to allow users to share spectrum.

Emerging technology, such as cognitive radio, allows radio transmitters to operate in unused parts of the spectrum. Similarly, white space technology can use the frequency gaps between TV channels which would otherwise remain unused to prevent interference between TV channels. These developments have prompted regulators to consider if spectrum sharing could be used more.

These dynamic spectrum access technologies have been trialled overseas, with companies such as Google and Microsoft exploring shared use of TV broadcasting frequencies on a non-interference basis. In some other countries, companies have developed databases of existing licenced transmissions to provide information about which frequencies are available to allow spectrum sharing. Some devices can automatically access these databases and adjust their operating frequencies accordingly.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is reviewing the Radiocommunications Act and is interested in feedback on whether such databases should be permitted in New Zealand, to facilitate spectrum sharing and emerging technologies based on this concept. We are also interested to hear views on whether there is tension between the Act’s current property rights mechanisms and emerging concepts of shared spectrum access.

Informal feedback can be submitted in this discussion thread. See the consultation page on the RSM website for other ways of submitting. There is a full discussion document available for download on the consultation page. The consultation period closes on 1 October 2014.

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