RSM's monthly update for November

New Zealand’s Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) has issued its latest monthly update, covering maritime and TV white space issues.

The update notifies of an update to the Radiocommunications Regulations (General User Radio Licence for Maritime UHF On-Board Communications) Notice to include digital mode transmission, as well as additional 12.5/6.25 kHz channelling within the existing raster in the frequency ranges 457.5125–457.5875 MHz and 467.5125–467.5875 MHz.

RSM said the previously available 12.5 and 25 kHz channelling for analog mode transmission remains available for use.

The agency said the update is “in line with the outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference that concluded in November 2015”.

The decision made under WRC-15 Agenda item 1.15 is to allow better use of the frequency ranges 457.5125–457.5875 MHz and 467.5125–467.5875 MHz for maritime onboard communications in line with Recommendation ITU-R M.1174-3.

You can read the new version of the General User Radio Licence on the New Zealand Gazette website.

RMS has also issued a reminder that television white space (TVWS) licensing is available.

Following consultation in 2014, the agency developed rules to provide a licensing regime for the trial of TVWS in New Zealand.

The rules are included in the current issue of the Spectrum Licence Certification Rules for Crown Management Rights (PIB 39).

RSM has said that anyone seeking a TVWS licence should contact an Approved Radio Engineer. A list is available here.

Image courtesy Maritime NZ.