1.9 GHz Band Plan

Overview

The Radiocommunications Act 1992 was enacted to regulate the use of the radio spectrum in Australia, addressing the need for a coordinated and efficient allocation of radio frequencies to prevent interference and ensure the availability of spectrum for various services. The Act provides a framework for the management of radiocommunications, including the establishment of frequency bands and the issuance of licenses to users. The 1.9 GHz Band Plan, introduced as a legislative instrument under the Act, aims to define the specific uses and allocations for the 1880-1900 MHz frequency band. This legislative instrument was prepared by the Spectrum Manager of the Spectrum Management Agency, Christine Mary Goode, and was issued under the authority granted by subsection 32(1) of the Act. The policy objective is to ensure that the 1.9 GHz Band is effectively utilised for mobile services, fixed point-to-multipoint services, and fixed point-to-point services, while maintaining the integrity and availability of the spectrum for the benefit of the public.

Scope and Application

The 1.9 GHz Band Plan, prepared under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, outlines the specific usage of the 1880 - 1900 MHz frequency band, referred to as the 1.9 GHz Band, for various radiocommunication services within Australia. The plan is applicable to entities and individuals intending to operate communication services within this band, including mobile services between mobile and land stations, fixed services between a land station and multiple associated land stations (point to multipoint services), and fixed services between two specified fixed stations (point to point fixed services). The Plan ensures these services are provided in compliance with the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan, which designates these services as primary. Any entity or individual using the 1.9 GHz Band must adhere to the standards specified by the Spectrum Management Agency to ensure compliance with the Radiocommunications Act 1992. The Plan applies nationally across Australia, extending its reach through subordinate instruments and regulations that further detail and enforce the provisions of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and associated regulations.

Key Provisions

The 1.9 GHz Band Plan, established under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, delineates the permissible uses and operational requirements for the 1.880-1.900 MHz frequency band (section 3). Specifically, the 1.9 GHz Band can be employed for mobile services between mobile and land stations, fixed services between land stations and multiple associated land stations, and point-to-point fixed services between two specified fixed stations authorized under a licence (section 3). These services are designated as primary services within the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan (section 4). The Act imposes several obligations on parties utilising the 1.9 GHz Band. Firstly, any equipment used for the provision of services in this band must comply with the standards specified by the Spectrum Management Agency (section 3, note). Furthermore, any entity seeking to provide services must obtain the appropriate licence as stipulated by the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (section 3(c)). Compliance with these standards and licence requirements is essential to ensure the efficient and lawful use of the spectrum. Breaches of the provisions outlined in the 1.9 GHz Band Plan may result in civil or criminal penalties. Under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, individuals or entities failing to adhere to the specified standards or unauthorised use of the 1.9 GHz Band may face legal consequences. The exact penalties are not specified within the Band Plan itself, but they can include fines, cessation orders, or other enforcement actions as prescribed by the Act. The severity of these penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach.