13 February 2026
Ref: DOIA-REQ-0026009
Sam Brown
Email: [FYI request #33467 email]
Tēnā koe Sam
Thank you for your email of 9 January 2026 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment (MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the
following information:
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.”
On 5 February 2026 we wrote to request further clarification of part 6, as the scope of the
information requested is too broad. Thank you for clarifying your request on 9 February
2026.
I am writing to advise you that MBIE will provide a response but needs to extend the time
available to answer your request. MBIE’s response will be sent to you no later than 20 March
2026.
The reason for the extension is that your request is for a large quantity of information and
meeting the original time limit would unreasonably interfere with our operations.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any
further assistance, please cont
act [email address].
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of our decision to
extend the time limit. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Michelle Wessing
Head of the Office of the Deputy Secretary
Building, Resources and Markets
