Technology and media companies could get easier access to radio frequency spectrum for new products and services, under a plan flagged by the government.
Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Friday released a review on the future of its management, which recommended an overhaul of laws and prices.
The current system is so complex that it took three years and much regulation just to free up the 694-820 MHz spectrum during the switchover from analogue to digital television.
The sale of that spectrum made it possible for Optus, Telstra and TPG Internet to rollout next-generation mobile broadband, or 4G.
Mr Turnbull said a simpler process for new and existing spectrum users would increase opportunities for market-based arrangements, including spectrum sharing and trading.
The three key recommendations of the review include streamlining current laws, better management of public sector and broadcasting spectrum and a review of pricing.
Free TV chairman Harold Mitchell said he was pleased broadcasters would get certainty of access to radio frequency spectrum.
The sector would carefully consider the details of the proposed new licensing framework.
"Certainty of access to spectrum is critical in a fragmenting market where many of the new global players make little or no contribution to Australian content, are unregulated, and pay little or no tax in our country," Mr Mitchell said in a statement.
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association said it supported the review's "fit-for-purpose" theme which would allow companies to meet a growing demand for mobile services and applications.
It is estimated mobile data usage will triple over the four years to 2017.
But vacant spectrum is becoming harder to find and there is a growing focus on sharing spectrum using new technologies.
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