Australia - Options for 403–520 MHz

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a statement on future use of the spectrum from 403 to 520 MHz.

Radio Amateurs in Australia had access to 420-450 MHz and there is concern that much of this could be permanently lost.

Attachment 1 of the statement shows proposals for 420-430 MHz, there is no mention of the Amateur Service.

With regard to 440-450 MHz the section on Proposed Transition Arrangements says

1/ Users in 452.5–453 MHz and 462–462.5 MHz (shaded in grey in Figure 4) will need to relocate either elsewhere in the 450–470 MHz band, or into another part of the 400 MHz band. Spectrum in 440–450 MHz will also be made available in consultation with the Department of Defence on a temporary basis.

The ACMA propose to increase the number of UHF Citizen Band Radio Service (CBRS) channels from 40 to 80 by the use of 12.5 kHz channel spacing.

Read the ACMA statement - The way ahead - Decisions and implementation options for the 400 MHz band
http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_312108

Ivy Jane Gardiner VK3IVY has posted her comments on the plan at
http://radio.carnagevisors.net/2010/05/03/
the-way-ahead-decisions-and-implementation-options-
for-the-400mhz-band/