Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) is seeking stakeholder feedback on the future of spectrum management rights in the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands, which are currently vital for 4G, 5G, and regional broadband connectivity.
The existing rights, covering 2300–2395 MHz (expiring in 2030) and 2500–2690 MHz (expiring in 2028), are used by national and regional operators. RSM is reviewing these rights to ensure continued access for mobile services, encourage technological innovation, and support competitive, efficient spectrum use.
Policy Goals Behind the Review
The consultation aims to align spectrum policy with New Zealand’s broader economic and connectivity objectives. RSM’s review is centered around four core policy goals:
Ensuring operators can maintain user connectivity demands
Supporting access to advanced wireless technologies
Maximizing efficient and economically sound spectrum usage
Enabling a competitive, innovative spectrum marketplace that contributes to economic growth
Discussion Paper Highlights Key Regulatory Topics
The discussion document, published by RSM, invites technical and policy-focused input from industry participants. It addresses the following regulatory considerations:
Policy Objectives: Feedback is sought on the underlying principles guiding future spectrum allocations in both bands.
Band Configuration: Options to improve efficiency and support next-generation technologies are discussed, with emphasis on technical characteristics, international trends, and compatibility with emerging use cases.
Allocation Approaches: RSM outlines scenarios including full renewal, partial renewal, or no renewal of current rights. Submitters are asked to weigh in on balancing incumbent continuity with market entry opportunities and whether spectrum caps should be introduced.
Non-National Rights in the 2600 MHz Band: The paper explores whether to continue or discontinue the managed spectrum park licensing framework, which allows non-national operators access to this spectrum.
Management Right Terms: The document proposes setting future rights to 10-year terms, with a conditional renewal based on technical review, and invites comments on whether to align expiry dates across mid-band spectrum holdings.
Submission Details
Feedback from this consultation will shape the ongoing review and inform Ministerial decisions on future spectrum rights. Submissions are due by 5:00 PM on 23 January 2026 and should be emailed to Radio.Spectrum@mbie.govt.nz with the subject line: “2300 MHz and 2600 MHz rights review.”
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
New Zealand
Certification Body: Ministry of Economic Development (RSM: Radio Spectrum Management)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
The regulatory information above is based on radio type approval certification. Access additional certification requirements in over 200 countries and territories with Global Validity’s free proprietary product certification management software, Access Manager. Learn more about the platform here or fill our quick contact form!
Global Validity is your partner for global certification success
Want to learn more about regulatory compliance and how we can help? Simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!