Radio spectrum

The radio spectrum is the range of radio wave frequencies used for wireless communication. It supports technologies like Wi-Fi, mobile phones, satellite services and AM/FM radio.

Spectrum that can be used for wireless technologies is limited. It needs to be managed carefully to avoid interference and make sure it is used efficiently for the benefit of New Zealanders.

Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) is a business unit within the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (MBIE). RSM is responsible for managing radio spectrum in New Zealand. RSM is committed to ensuring that our policy and planning processes as well as our administration and enforcement functions are fast, simple and effective.

To achieve this, we have created a 5-year work programme to manage the growing demand for radio spectrum. Read about the current programme in the 2023 to 2027 Spectrum Outlook.

The New Zealand Spectrum Outlook 2023 to 2027 [PDF 876KB](external link) — Radio Spectrum Management

Legislation

Radio spectrum usage in New Zealand is governed by 2 key pieces of legislation — the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and the Radiocommunications Regulations 2001. The Minister for Communications can also issue policy statements that help us manage radio licences more effectively.

• Radiocommunications Act 1989(external link) — New Zealand Legislation
• Radiocommunications Regulations 2001(external link) — New Zealand Legislation

Other legislation relevant to our work includes:

• the Broadcasting Act 1989
• Search and Surveillance Act 2012
• Telecommunications Act 2001, and
• Commerce Act 1989.

Crown and Māori reach enduring radio spectrum agreement

In 2022, the Government announced a long-term, enduring agreement with Māori that recognises Māori interests in radio spectrum. These interests include:

• digital enterprise and jobs
• healthcare
• rural economy and connectivity
• education
• broadcasting, and
• revitalisation of te reo Māori.

This agreement is a memorandum of understanding developed in partnership with the Māori Spectrum Working Group. It is an opportunity to build Māori capability in spectrum-related industries and supports Māori involvement in this growing sector.

The Māori Spectrum Working Group was established by Māori in 2019 to lead this work with the Government.

The agreement includes ongoing access to national spectrum, funding, and a role for Māori in shaping spectrum policy.

Spectrum allocations and licencing

Radio Spectrum Management provides access to frequencies of radio spectrum through rights and licences. Radio Spectrum Management is currently working on 4 key spectrum allocation projects:

• Future use of the 24-30 GHz spectrum
• AM/FM radio spectrum licences
• 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz management right review
• 3.3 GHz spectrum allocations.

Current and completed projects relating to spectrum allocations(external link) — Radio Spectrum Management

Consultation

Radio Spectrum Management regularly consults on policy and planning projects. Public consultations are published on the Radio Spectrum Management website. From time to time, Radio Spectrum Management also consults directly with affected parties – such as licence holders and industry.

Feedback from consultation informs spectrum allocation and licencing decisions made by Ministers and Radio Spectrum Management.

Consultations open to feedback or past consultations(external link) — Radio Spectrum Management

Preparing for 5G in New Zealand

MBIE is helping prepare for 5G by working with industry through workshops. As part of this, MBIE has created a 5G information pack. It explains the rules and standards for rolling out 5G.

The pack also links to other government information, including from the Ministry of Health and the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor.