Plum and Network Strategies were commissioned by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) to conduct a study of spectrum trading. Plum conducted an assessment of spectrum trading in Australia, including a description of the current environment, examples of past trades and key lessons from these trades. This helped to identify the factors necessary to facilitate a more efficient and effective spectrum trading market in Australia.

The work was supplemented by a review of international experience of spectrum trading and private band management (including Canada, New Zealand, the EU and the US), a summary of academic literature and interviews with key stakeholders in Australia.

Based on the findings, the study team put forth a number of recommendations to help encourage spectrum trading, including improvements on the transparency of spectrum renewal and steps to reduce transaction costs.