New Australian radio frequency spectrum plan

The ACA has now published the Australian Radio Frequency Spectrum Plan, replacing the earlier plan of January 2002.

In identifying the changes made to the Table, the Authority says that it has promoted the amateur service to primary status in the 1825 - 1875 kHz band. Previously the amateur allocation at this band was secondary.

The WIA is particularly pleased, as this change accepts in full the WIA's submission made during the consideration of the draft table.

Interestingly, despite removal in some states, the band 420 - 430 MHz remains allocated on a secondary basis to the amateur service.

In more detail we see:-

Revised Australian Radio frequency Spectrum Plan Released

Australian spectrum allocation arrangements are, at their broadest level, embodied in one statutory instrument known as the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan. The Plan has a number of purposes:

1). provide a basis for management of the radiofrequency spectrum in Australia;

2). inform radiocommunications users about the various types of services that can be operated in each frequency band, and the conditions attached to their operation;

3). reflect Australia's obligations as a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); and

4). provide details of international frequency allocations agreed by the ITU for the three world Regions.

The Plan is reviewed at four yearly intervals. A new Australian Plan came into effect on 1 January 2005.

A number of changes have been made and these are detailed on the website under the Radio Frequency Planning area. The changes that may be of particular interest to amateurs are:

- new spectrum allocations to the mobile service in the 5GHz band to support the use of radio local area networking applications;

- new spectrum allocations to the Earth exploration-satellite service in the 432 438 MHz, 5 & 13GHz bands;

To reflect domestic developments, the Australian Table of Allocations includes the following changes:

- promotion of the amateur service to primary status in the
1,825 to 1,875 kHz band;

- defence initiatives in the contiguous bands 420-430 MHz,430-440 MHz and 440-450 MHz;

The General Information section of the spectrum plan has also been revised. A section providing information on use of spectrum for meteorological purposes has been added.

(ACA Web Site)

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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