ACMA update for 800 MHz users

Major changes are underway in the 800 MHz band — are you ready?

If you hold apparatus licences in the 849–852 MHz frequency range, you may be required to make significant changes within the next two years.

This is because the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) will start to implement the outcomes of the 803–960 MHz review. The first milestone for implementing new arrangements in the 800 MHz band will end on 30 June 2019, so make sure you’re getting ready to make changes before then.

The following services will be affected in milestone 1:

• Studio transmitter links (STLs) and fixed links operating between 849 and 852 MHz must cease operation no later than 30 June 2019.
• Sound outside broadcast services operating between 851 and 852 MHz must cease operation no later than 30 June 2019.
• Sound outside broadcast services operating between 850.5 to 851 MHz will be licensed on a secondary basis (secondary services will be licensed on a ‘No interference/No protection’ basis to primary services licensed after 30 June 2019).

The ACMA review of the 803–960 MHz band concluded in November 2015 with the release of a decision paper, which included a staged implementation plan. This plan mainly concerns changes to the way fixed and land mobile services operate in the 800 MHz band (803–890 MHz).

As changes to the 800 MHz band affect a large number of stakeholders, the implementation plan has been formulated to consist of six milestones spread out over a number of years:

• Milestone 1 — compliance end date, 30 June 2019 — 849–852 MHz.
• Milestones 2 and 3 — compliance end date, 30 June 2021 — 852–857 MHz paired with 928–933 MHz.
• Milestones 4, 5 and 6 — compliance end date, 30 June 2024 — a) 820–825 MHz paired with 865–870 MHz, and b) 857-865 MHz.

The second and third milestones ending on 30 June 2021 affect fixed links, while milestones 4 and 5 (ending on 30 June 2024) will affect land mobile services, requiring changes to the way devices operate.

If you hold apparatus licences in the 800 MHz band, it is important that you are aware of the necessary requirements you must meet, so you can comply with the relevant milestones.

For further information, visit the 800 MHz webpage: http://www.acma.gov.au/800MHz.

Join us to find out more — Tune-up and RadComms

The ACMA will host an 800 MHz Tune-up on these changes on 31 October 2017 at the ACMA’s Sydney office. If you’re not in Sydney, the Tune-up will be relayed via videoconference to each of the ACMA offices in Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. The Tune-up is free, open to any interested persons and provides details on the implementation plan and associated transition requirements.

If you’d like to attend the Tune-up, email your name and preferred location of attendance to 800MHzImplementation@acma.gov.au.

On 1–2 November, the annual ACMA RadComms conference begins, where spectrum reform will be more widely discussed. Don’t miss out on a place — register now for RadComms 2017 at http://www.acma.gov.au/Radcomms.

Images courtesy ACMA.

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