List of Recommendations

Recommendation 1

2.167

The Committee recommends that spectrum allocation be finalised expeditiously and that the Australian Communications and Media Authority, in conjunction with the Department of Communications and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, investigate how future spectrum auctions can promote improved market competition for the benefit of consumers.

Recommendation 2

2.168

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government facilitate discussions between carriers, network operators and utility and infrastructure owners for managing redundant and/or ageing telecommunications equipment.

Recommendation 3

2.169

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government commence a review of the low impact facilities framework to ensure that its powers to encourage co-location of facilities and equipment are fit-for-purpose in a 5G environment. As part of this process, the Australian Government should begin reviewing carrier arrangements for 5G infrastructure sharing.

Recommendation 4

2.170

The Committee recommends that the Department of Communications and the Arts assess the suitability of current powers and immunities arrangements, especially in relation to the timeframes for raising objections, noting the likelihood of an increased number of installations for the deployment of 5G.

Recommendation 5

2.171

The Committee recommends that carriers work with state and territory road and transport infrastructure managers to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

Recommendation 6

2.172

The Committee recommends that carriers consider multiuser infrastructure sharing to ensure that rural and regional consumers benefit from 5G services in a timely manner, and ensure adequate coverage across all 5G spectrum bands.

Recommendation 7

2.173

The Committee recommends that carriers ensure rollout trials are conducted in regional and remote areas, and the Committee notes proposals for large scale trial with one of Australia’s most innovative farming regions.

Recommendation 8

2.174

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government investigate ways to encourage the manufacture of 5G infrastructure within Australia.

2.175

This may be done initially via the Department of Industry, Science and Technology working with Australian telecommunications and related industry partners to examine how Australia could actively participate in the manufacture of components and equipment for use in the rollout of 5G networks - and that manufacturing partnerships be considered with Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States.

2.176

To help enable this, the Australian Government should establish a 5G R&D Innovation Fund to fast track the development and scale-up of alternative manufacturing approaches to reduce the duopoly dependency on 5G related equipment.

Recommendation 9

2.177

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government conduct a review of current legislative arrangements enforcing network and data security for the supply of 5G equipment. Further, as part of this framework, it must be incumbent on vendors to enforce Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management throughout procurement, roll out and maintenance of the 5G network.

Recommendation 10

2.178

The Committee recommends that ARPANSA implement a suitable mechanism to consult with members of the community regarding the safe levels of electromagnetic radiation.

Recommendation 11

2.179

The committee, welcoming the Australian Government’s decision to establish a new community information campaign on 5G, recommends that the Government work closely with the ACMA to develop an integrated and comprehensive campaign that can respond to concerns raised about the new network.

Recommendation 12

2.180

The Committee recommends the Department of Communications and Department of Education and Training, review how current ICT curricula for roles in 5G related industries in TAFE, accredited training providers and tertiary institutions should be modified to ensure graduates are industry-ready.

Recommendation 13

2.181

The Committee recommends the Australian Government lift apprenticeships in the ICT sector apprenticeships to assist with the rollout of 5G in Australia.

Recommendation 14

3.99

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government work with carriers to develop campaigns to boost industry awareness about the advantages of 5G to businesses to help realise the benefits of this new network quickly. This campaign should include elements to lift 5G awareness within local government.

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