WIA responds to two threats to the Australian amateur radio service

Changes proposed by Australian Communications and Media
Authority could see the Australian amateur radio service lose one of our most important amateur satellite bands.

The ACMA is proposing to change the Australian radio frequency spectrum plan to accommodate ultra wideband vehicle radar technology in the 22 to 26.5GHz frequency band.

If given the go-ahead, this plan would result in Australian radio amateurs losing their primary access to the 24 to 24.05GHz amateur satellite segment and being severely curtailed in experimenting in the secondary access segment of 24.05 to 24.25GHz. The Australian Communications & Media Authority invited comments on the proposed changes to the spectrum and the WIA responded.

The second proposal is the response to ACMA on their discussion paper on strategies for wireless accesses services. Again both submissions can be read from the WIA's "only official web home in cyber-space www.wia.org.au"

WIA Director Phil Waite explains:

"The ACMA has proposed variations to the LIPD Class Licence and the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan. These variations would allow low power ultra wideband short range radar, used for vehicle collision avoidance systems, in the 24GHz amateur and amateur satellite band.

"Vehicles would be fitted with up to 8 radar sensors continuously scanning their surroundings with a range of 30 meters. The vehicle's guidance control systems would take avoidance action to avoid an accident.

"This week WIA presented a submission opposing the operation of short range radar on 24GHz. The 24GHz band is the first band available to the amateur service above 144 - 148MHz (2 meter band) with a primary status allocation.

"The 24GHz band is an international band standardised through all three ITU regions. Much international amateur radio technological development is occurring on this band, both on the ground, and in space. Amateur radio usage of 24GHz is expected to increase with changing technology. The AMSAT Phase 3 amateur radio satellite, (AMSAT-Oscar 40), carried 24GHz equipment and it is expected future amateur satellites will also carry such equipment.

"The WIA informed ACMA that any such allocation on the 24GHz amateur service band carries significant risk of causing unpredictable cross interference, and possibly preventing the operation of a vehicle safety device.

"Furthermore, the WIA considers the LIPD Class Licence unsuitable for such a critical safety applications such as short-range passenger vehicle radar."

Again the full submission can be read on the WIA website at www.wia.org.au

Phil Wait VK2DKN

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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