Purpose and aims of a technical liaison group
A technical liaison group (TLG) is a short-term advisory body set up by the ACMA as an informal consultation forum between ACMA staff and stakeholders. TLGs consider and provide advice on the technical aspects required for the development or review of a technical framework, and related apparatus licensing frameworks, if needed.
TLGs aim to identify and propose solutions to technical issues. If consensus on a proposal is not achieved within a TLG, the identification of issues with divergent views still assists the ACMA in taking the next steps.
TLGs feed into the formal consultation activities we undertake when establishing spectrum licence technical frameworks. Advice and engagement from TLGs contributes to transparency and our decision making. While engagement in the multilateral TLG process is important and highly desirable, by providing transparency to all members, stakeholders can always approach the ACMA directly to discuss matters.
Membership of TLGs
TLGs are chaired by ACMA staff. Members are usually prospective or existing spectrum licensees in a band under review, as well as interested or potentially affected stakeholders. These stakeholders are often from nearby bands where coexistence issues need to be considered.
In addition to the TLG forum, groups of stakeholders can, and often do, collaborate among themselves and contribute common views to the TLG process for broader consideration.
How TLGs work
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A flexible format: We consider it important that TLGs operate in a way that allows opportunities for participation by all stakeholders. We understand that different stakeholders may have different resources and capabilities that influence how they want to collaborate – some may prefer to meet for discussions, others may wish to engage via correspondence.
The operation of TLGs is inherently flexible. The duration and operation of each TLG is determined on an individual basis and depends on the issue being considered, including its complexity and who the affected stakeholders are.
For TLGs considering complex issues, such as the development of an entirely new spectrum licensing technical framework, at least an initial meeting establishing the TLG would be expected. -
Guidance is provided: When a TLG is formed there will normally be a defined Terms of Reference to guide members on the expected operation of the TLG and what is within the scope of its work.
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We maintain documentation: TLGs operate largely ‘via correspondence’ using documentation that can vary from simple tables for capturing key issues and views, to more structured documents that include more background and analysis. Stakeholder contributions can consist of simple, informal inputs or verbal comments captured at any meetings.
The resultant work of the TLG is recorded in a public document that is made available as part of the subsequent formal consultation process. -
A defined endpoint: The duration of TLGs are usually heavily influenced by broader spectrum licensing project timelines, with a clearly defined end point for TLGs. Again, it is not necessary for all issues to be ‘resolved’ in a TLG, as the associated discussions are useful in assisting the ACMA identify proposals for formal consultation.
Once the TLG process is concluded, the ACMA then publicly consults on the proposed technical framework. This gives TLG members, as well as other interested parties, a further opportunity to comment on the draft technical framework before it is finalised.
Past and future TLGs
The table below shows details of past and future TLGs. Where available, it also has the final documents of the TLG process.
| Band | Frequency range | Opened | Completed | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4/3.7 GHz | Parts of 3400–3800 MHz (spectrum licenced areas) | September 2022 | January 2023 | |
| 2 GHz | 1920–1980 / 2110–2170 MHz (paired) | February 2022 | October 2022 | |
| 3.4–4.0 GHz | 3.4–4.0 GHz (remote areas) | July 2021 | January 2022 | |
| 1800 MHz | 1710–1785 / 1805–1880 MHz (paired) | July 2020 | August 2021 | |
| 3.4 GHz | 3400–3700 MHz | October 2020 | July 2021 | |
| 850/900 MHz | 814–825 MHz, 859–870 MHz, 890–915 MHz, 935–960 MHz. |
17 December 2020 | 14 April 2021 | |
| 2.3 GHz | 2302–2400 MHz (unpaired) | April 2020 | November 2020 |
|
| 26/28 GHz |
25.1-27.5 GHz (spectrum licence) 24.7-29.5 GHz (apparatus licence) |
November 2019 |
April 2020 |
|
| 3.4 GHz / 3.6 GHz | 3425-3492.5 MHz (unpaired) 3542.5-3700 MHz (unpaired) |
March 2018 | June 2018 | 2018 3.6 GHz TLG package |
| 2 GHz | 1920-1980 / 2110-2170 MHz (paired) | 6 January 2016 | August 2016 | 2016 TLG package |
| 2.3 GHz | 2302-2400 MHz (unpaired) | 2 August 2012 | 20 September 2013 | |
| 700 MHz | 703-748 / 758-803 MHz MHz (paired) | 13 October 2011 | 5 June 2012 | 2012 TLG package |
| 2.5 GHz | 2500-2570 / 2620-2690 MHz (paired) | 29 July 2011 | 6 March 2012 | |
| 1800 MHz | 1710-1785 / 1805-1880 MHz (paired) | 20 July 2011 | 27 February 2012 | 2012 TLG package |
| 800 MHz | 825-845 / 870-890 MHz (paired) | 3 August 2011 | 7 December 2011 | 2011 TLG package |
