Spectrum sharing for Automatic Frequency Coordination
ITS Australia sincerely appreciates the opportunity the Commonwealth Government and the ACMA has provided to make a submission on this important topic.
ITS Australia welcomes the opportunity to respond to the ACMA discussion paper on Automatic Frequency Coordination-assisted spectrum sharing in the 6 GHz band (5925–6585 MHz). The transport technology sector is both a beneficiary of improved broadband connectivity and an incumbent user of the adjacent ITS band 5855 - 5925 MH with safety‑critical spectrum needs, particularly for C‑ITS and related roadside systems. The proposed use of AFC to enable standard‑power RLAN operations in the 6 GHz band has the potential to enhance connectivity and support new applications. However, it must not compromise the safety, reliability, or functional performance of established and planned ITS deployments in the adjacent 5855 - 5925 MHz range.
This submission focuses on:
- Ensuring that any AFC regime preserves the integrity of existing C‑ITS and tolling operations in adjacent bands.
- Identifying technical and operational measures needed to avoid harmful adjacent‑band interference.
- Highlighting the need for empirical testing in realistic transport environments before large‑scale deployment of standard‑power RLAN.