Review of the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has opened consultation on its proposed update of the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan. The ACMA announced it on its website on 22 September 2016.

The Authority has issued a discussion paper and related documents, referring directly to possible changes, and invites submissions before 24 October 2016. The Spectrum Plan includes a table of frequency allocations from 8.3 kHz through to 420 terahertz (THz) that divides up the spectrum to show the general purpose of each band, to which services they are allocated, and associated footnotes relevant to particular allocations. It was last reviewed in 2013.

The Spectrum Plan reflects Australia’s treaty obligations following the International Telecommunications Union’s World Radiocommunications Conference in late 2015. The ACMA acknowledges that Australia was a signatory to the decisions of that ITU conference, was working with those affected domestically, but due to various factors, all foreshadowed changes may not occur by the end of 2016.

Also expected to be reflected in the remake is the Federal Government’s proposed new legislation that removes prescriptive process to replace these with a simpler, more flexible licensing system.

The updated Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan is expected to begin on 1 January 2017. Once the Spectrum Plan is amended subordinate legislation, such as licence conditions, will also be amended subsequently, as necessary. Any individual or group with an interest in radiofrequency spectrum allocations and use can make a submission.

As the peak representative body for the Australian radio amateur community, the WIA is preparing a submission. See the ACMA’s announcement on its website, via this Link

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