ACMA updates class licences

The ACMA has updated class licensing arrangements to support new technology applications and bring Australia into line with international arrangements supporting standardised equipment supply arrangements.

It follows the ACMA’s call for consultation on proposed updates to Low Interference Potential Device class licensing arrangements last December, for which 18 submissions were received.

The updates — which can be viewed in the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence Variation 2019 (No. 1) — will support new technologies, wireless data communications systems (including those supporting 5G), radar systems used in road and rail safety applications, and internationally harmonised use of short-range devices.

Updates include:

• expansion of frequency range for 60 GHz (57–66 GHz) data communication systems to cover 57–71 GHz for both indoor and outdoor usage supporting wireless gigabit systems (for example, utilising IEEE 802.11ad) with applications such as backhaul for 5G and Wi-Fi;
• new arrangements for ‘all transmitters’ in the 57–64 GHz band supporting an interactive motion-sensing technology;
• revising arrangements for underground transmitters in certain bands supporting fixed and mobile services from 70–520 MHz to provide improved support for underground activities such as mining;
• revision of arrangements for radars in the 76–77 GHz frequency band to provide support for radar use in rail crossing and road safety applications;
• new arrangements for ground and wall penetration radar (30–12,400 MHz) facilitating usage of applications across a variety of industry sectors such as agriculture (crop harvesting), railways (track surveying), and underground cable and pipe detection in the telecommunication industry; and
• aligning existing arrangements for ultra-wideband devices with US and European arrangements for generic (indoor and handheld) devices (3100–3400 MHz and 8500–9000 MHz) and aircraft applications (6000–8500 MHz) supporting use of such devices in Australia.
   

More information on issues raised during the consultation, the ACMA’s response to them and the changes made to the draft class licence are outlined in the follow-up paper Class licensing updates: Supporting 5G and other technology innovations.

The ACMA invites suggestions from industry and individuals on devices and technologies for possible future updates to class licensing arrangements of the Low Interference Potential Devices Class Licence.

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