The Morrison Government is investing almost $30 million to improve the allocation and management of spectrum and trial 5G use across different industry sectors.
This investment is part of the Morrison Government’s Job Maker Digital Business Plan announced today, which will accelerate the digital transformation of Australian businesses and create jobs.
Specific measures include:
- $22.1 million to establish the Australian 5G Innovation Initiative, to invest in 5G commercial trials and testbeds in key industry sectors such as agriculture, mining, logistics and manufacturing;
- $1.8 million over two years to invest in systems that allow more efficient spectrum allocation; and
- $5.3 million over two years to update and simplify the digital spectrum licence system.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said “5G will support a range of industrial, agricultural and commercial outcomes with significant benefits. The Morrison Government’s $22.1 million Australian 5G Innovation Initiative will demonstrate the productivity boosting applications of 5G.”
Under the Australian 5G Innovation Initiative, successful grant recipients will develop and test 5G applications, services and products to demonstrate the commercial incentive for businesses to adopt 5G solutions. The Initiative will assist businesses, including small to medium enterprises, demonstrate the wide range of commercial and industrial uses of 5G, which are expected to include applications such as smart factories and warehouses, logistics management and autonomous vehicles.
The Morrison Government is also providing $7.1 million to the Australian Communications and Media Authority to conduct auctions of radio frequency spectrum, a vital national asset used in the operation of mobile telecommunications networks.
“Spectrum is a critical component in the rollout of 5G. These investments will make the allocation of spectrum more efficient and reduce red tape, so that Australians can experience the benefits of 5G sooner,” Minister Fletcher said.