ACMA's Public Consultation on Spectrum Management
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched a public consultation aimed at enhancing spectrum management and facilitating the deployment of new technologies in Australia. This consultation focuses on the revision of the Fixed Licence Conditions Determination (Fixed Licence LCD) of 2015, proposed licensing and technical arrangements for highly localized wireless broadband (HL WBB) in the 3400–3475 MHz and 3950–4000 MHz frequency bands, and updates to the Radiocommunications Allocation and Licensing Instruction (RALI) MS47. Feedback from this consultation will inform the publication of relevant legislative instruments and RALIs, with results expected in the first quarter of 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments by November 15, 2024, following the consultation’s launch on October 17, 2024.
ACMA proposes to rewrite the Fixed Licence LCD, which is set to expire on October 1, 2025, renaming it Fixed Licence LCD 2025 without significant changes. Proposed modifications include exemptions from registration for certain stations, the removal of references to specific compliance standards, and updated conditions for remote and remote control stations to reduce interference in densely populated areas. For HL WBB, the consultation outlines that a point-to-multipoint system (PMPS) license subtype will be implemented, tax rates for PMPS licenses will be aligned with those for PMP licenses in the 2.69–5 GHz band, and licenses will be assigned through ACMA’s standard over-the-counter procedure. These licenses will remain valid until December 13, 2030, with a proposed radiated power density limit of 17 dBm/MHz for HL WBB transmitters and alignment of unwanted emissions limits with 3GPP specifications for mid-range base stations. Further details on the revisions to RALI MS47 will also be addressed in the consultation process. ACMA invites all stakeholders to engage in this important consultation to shape the future of telecommunications regulation in Australia.
Regulatory Impact
- Top Priority: Yes
- Type of Certificate: No
- Spectrum Bands: Yes
- Import Changes HS Codes: No
- Standard Changes: Yes
- Product Changes: Yes
- Label Changes: No
Regulatory Impact
| Impact Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Top Priority | |
| Type Certificate | |
| Spectrum Bands | |
| Import Changes (HS Codes) | |
| Standard Changes | |
| Product Changes | |
| Label Changes |