Kia ora Sam Brown,
 
On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of 8/01/2026 requesting, under the Official
Information Act 1982, the following:
 
Dear MBIE (Radio Spectrum Management),

Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request:

1. All policy documents, ministerial briefings, or strategic reviews from
2020 to present regarding spectrum allocation for rural broadband and
fixed wireless access services, including:
- Assessment of spectrum needs for rural connectivity providers
- Policy objectives for making spectrum available for regional broadband
deployment
- Reviews of whether current spectrum allocation frameworks adequately
support rural connectivity objectives

2. Information regarding the 3.3-3.34GHz spectrum allocation process
conducted approximately 2022-2023, including:
- Policy rationale for offering 6-month 'exclusive rights to apply' rather
than direct spectrum licenses
- Assessment of whether 6-month timeframe was adequate for:
-- Technology platform selection and vendor engagement
-- Funding arrangement finalisation
-- Security clearance processes
-- Actual license application preparation
- Number of entities that obtained exclusive rights versus number that
successfully obtained licenses
- Current status and usage of 3.3-3.34GHz spectrum in regions where
exclusive rights were forfeited
- Any review or lessons learned from this allocation process

3. Any analysis of 6GHz spectrum availability and potential for rural
broadband deployment, including:
- Assessment of 6GHz spectrum for fixed wireless access services
International approaches to 6GHz deployment (particularly USA's Automatic
Frequency Coordination system)
- Whether RSM or MBIE has assessed developing AFC or similar coordination
mechanisms for New Zealand
- Timeline for potential 6GHz availability for outdoor fixed wireless use
- Any industry consultation or proposals received regarding 6GHz access
- Whether spectrum availability constraints are identified as limiting
rural broadband deployment

4. Any assessment of spectrum availability imbalances between different
provider types, including:
- Spectrum holdings by mobile network operators versus fixed wireless
operators
- Whether spectrum allocation policy considers competitive balance in
rural connectivity markets
- Assessment of whether limited spectrum availability for WISPs/fixed
wireless operators constrains their ability to compete with mobile
operators or satellite services in rural areas

5. Any advice to Ministers regarding:
- Whether current spectrum management frameworks adequately support rural
connectivity policy objectives
- Resource constraints within RSM affecting spectrum policy development or
allocation processes
- International spectrum developments (WiFi 7, 6GHz, AFC systems) and
implications for New Zealand policy
- Whether spectrum policy is coordinated with rural connectivity funding
programmes and infrastructure policy

6. Any correspondence with telecommunications industry participants
regarding:
- Spectrum needs for rural broadband provision
- Barriers to accessing spectrum suitable for fixed wireless deployment
- Requests for 6GHz access or AFC system development
- Feedback on 3.3-3.34GHz allocation process
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible, and no
later than 13/02/2026, being 20 working days after the day your request
was received. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will
notify you of an extension of that timeframe. Please note that the days
from 25 December 2025 to 15 January 2026 (inclusive) are defined as
non-working days in the Act and are not counted in the calculation for the
response due date. This will affect the time period for responding to your
request. If you have any enquiries regarding your request feel free to
contact us via email to [1][MBIE request email].
 
Nāku noa, nā
Ministerial Services
Strategy and Assurance
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
15 Stout Street, Wellington 6011 |  P O Box 1473 Wellington 6140

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[MBIE request email]