Radio Spectrum Management New Zealand's update for September

Radio Spectrum Management has issued its September update on spectrum regulation matters, including a review of legislation, white space licensing and prohibited equipment.

RSM is reviewing the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and is asking for feedback on the present operation of the act and what changes might be needed. The deadline for submissions is 1 October 2014. RSM will hold workshops in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to get feedback in person. Workshop registrations must be received before 10 September 2014. More details of the review are available on the agency’s website.

RSM is “consulting on technical licensing and certification rules to allow the use of television white space devices”. In its monthly update, the agency says that the draft rules have been designed to protect the interests of existing spectrum users and that white space users would need to gain radio licences and conform to American or European Union device standards. Feedback is being sought from users and submissions are due by 30 September 2014. More details can be found on the RSM website.

Some devices used for animal tracking and training can interfere with licenced land mobile services in New Zealand. The Animal Tracking and Training Device Notice 2014 addresses “the supply, importation and use of equipment operating on United States MURs frequencies (151.820MHz, 151.880MHz, 151.940MHz, 154.570MHz and 154.600MHz)… New Zealand Customs is actively intercepting such equipment when and where it presents at the border.” More details are on the agency’s website.