ACMA flags UHF spectrum changes

On Friday 30th April, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) released its third discussion paper on the replanning arrangements for the 400 MHz spectrum. A copy of the paper can be found on the ACMA website.

The WIA provided detailed submissions to the two previous papers in respect to the 70cm amateur UHF band allocations in the 400 to 520 MHz spectrum. The WIA is also a member of the Radiocommunications Consultative Committee
400 MHz working group.

The 400 to 520 MHz spectrum is one of the most congested pieces of spectrum in Australia and to provide for ever expanding needs, this spectrum will be divided into 12.5 kHz channel segments. The rearrangements will now allow
harmonised spectrum for government users across Australia.

The latest ACMA has confirmed that the segment between 430 to 440 MHz is out of scope for the purposes of the replanning exercise. Within this band the amateur service is a secondary user to Defence and these arrangements will
continue into the future.

To accommodate government user requirements, the existing amateur secondary allocation in the 420 to 430 MHz will be withdrawn. This has already occurred in a number of states already.

To assist in the transitional arrangements, which may take many years to complete, the ACMA has suggested that the amateur secondary allocation in 440 to 450 MHz may be used on a temporary basis from time to time.
This arrangement has occurred in the past and is only an option.

In response to the paper, the WIA will be seeking further information on these arrangements. The closing date for comments is 6th June.

WIA