2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan 2002

Administered by Department of Communications and the Arts

Legislation au F2005B00121 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan 2002

as amended

made under sections 32 and 34 of the

Radiocommunications Act 1992

This compilation was prepared on 11 May 2005
taking into account amendments up to 2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan
Variation 2003 (No. 1)

Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing,
Attorney-General’s Department, Canberra

Contents

 1 Name of Frequency Band Plan [see Note 1]

 2 Commencement [see Note 1]

 3 Revocation of Multipoint Distribution System Frequency Band Plan 2000

 4 Definitions 

 5 Purpose of Frequency Band Plan 

 6 Non-application if spectrum licence in force 

 7 Purposes for which the 2076–2110 MHz frequency band may be used 

 8 Purposes for which the 2110–2111 MHz frequency band may be used 

Notes  

 

 

 

Note   

This Frequency Band Plan revokes the Multipoint Distribution System Frequency Band Plan 2000 and introduces a new frequency band plan covering frequencies in the band 2076–2111 MHz. The main objectives of this Frequency Band Plan are:

 to provide that 25 July 2002 is the last day when the 2076–2111 MHz frequency band may be used for MDS services in most parts of Australia

 to allow existing MDS services to continue at specific locations in Alice Springs, Broken Hill, Tasmania and North Queensland until 31 March 2004

 to provide for the 2076–2110 MHz frequency band to be used for fixed point-to-point services that will be cleared from other parts of the spectrum to make way for a new mobile service known as IMT–2000.

1 Name of Frequency Band Plan [see Note 1]

  This Frequency Band Plan is the 2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan 2002.

2 Commencement [see Note 1]

  This Frequency Band Plan commences on gazettal.

3 Revocation of Multipoint Distribution System Frequency Band Plan 2000

  The Multipoint Distribution System Frequency Band Plan 2000 is revoked.

4 Definitions

 (1) In this Frequency Band Plan:

definitions determination means the determination made by the Australian Communications Authority under section 54 of the Australian Communications Authority Act 1997, as in force from time to time.

multipoint distribution system or MDS means a fixed service comprising a multipoint distribution station, at least 4 multipoint distribution station receivers and any number of multipoint distribution repeater stations, as required.

regulations means the Radiocommunications Regulations 1993.

spectrum plan means the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan made by the Australian Communications Authority under section 30 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, as in force from time to time.

 (2) Unless the contrary intention appears, an expression used in this Frequency Band Plan that is defined in the spectrum plan, the definitions determination or the regulations has the same meaning in this Frequency Band Plan as it has in the spectrum plan, the definitions determination or the regulations.

 (3) However:

 (a) an expression defined in the spectrum plan and in the definitions determination or the regulations has the meaning given in the spectrum plan; and

 (b) an expression defined in the definitions determination and in the regulations (but not in the spectrum plan) has the meaning given in the definitions determination.

Note 1   The following expressions used in this Frequency Band Plan are defined in the spectrum plan:

 earth exploration-satellite service

 fixed service

 mobile service

 space operation service

 space research service.

Note 2   The following expressions used in this Frequency Band Plan are defined in the definitions determination:

 multipoint distribution repeater station

 multipoint distribution station

 multipoint distribution station receiver.

 (4) In this Frequency Band Plan, the range of numbers that identifies a frequency band is taken to include the higher, but not the lower, number.

Example

The 2076–2110 MHz frequency band is made up of radio frequencies that exceed 2076 MHz but do not exceed 2110 MHz.

5 Purpose of Frequency Band Plan

  This Frequency Band Plan makes provision for the purposes for which the following frequency bands may be used:

 (a) 2076–2110 MHz;

 (b) 2110–2111 MHz.

6 Non-application if spectrum licence in force

  This Frequency Band Plan does not apply to spectrum that has been designated to be allocated by issuing spectrum licences.

Note   On 7 October 2000, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts designated the frequency band 2110–2170 MHz in parts of Australia as part of the spectrum to be allocated by issuing spectrum licences.

7 Purposes for which the 2076–2110 MHz frequency band may be used

 (1) Until the end of 25 July 2002, the 2076–2110 MHz frequency band may be used for the following primary and secondary services:

 

primary services

Fixed Service

(MDS)

(point-to-point)

Space Research Service

(Earth-to-space)

(space-to-space)

Space Operation Service

(Earth-to-space)

(space-to-space)

Earth Exploration-satellite Service

(Earth-to-space)

(space-to-space)

Secondary service

Mobile Service

 (2) For the period beginning on 26 July 2002 and ending at the end of 31 March 2004, the 2076–2110 MHz frequency band may be used for the following primary and secondary services:

 

primary services

Fixed Service

(MDS, at the sites mentioned in subsection (3))

(point-to-point)

Space Research Service

(Earth-to-space)

(space-to-space)

Space Operation Service

(Earth-to-space)

(space-to-space)

Earth Exploration-satellite Service

(Earth-to-space)

(space-to-space)

secondary service

Mobile Service

 (3) For the fixed service MDS mentioned in subsection (2), the sites are at the following locations and have the following geographical coordinates:

 

Locations

Latitude (South)

Longitude (East)

Cairns — Mount Yarrabah

16.9065

145.8416

Port Douglas — Flagstaff Hill

16.4834

145.4660

Townsville — Mount Stuart

19.3440

146.7813

Townsville — Aquarius (Rpt)

19.2494

146.8113

Mackay — Black Mountain

21.0702

149.0971

Ingham — Haig Street

18.6500

146.1567

Mount Isa — Emma Smith Vista

20.7353

139.4921

Alice Springs — West Gap

23.7238

133.8552

Broken Hill — South Mine site

31.9767

141.4526

Launceston — Mount Barrow

41.3923

147.4233

Launceston — Juliana Street

41.4569

147.1258

Hobart — Mount Wellington

42.8963

147.2348

Hobart — White Rock Point

42.9775

147.3914

Hobart — Thredbo Drive Acton

42.8967

147.4662

 (4) On and after 1 April 2004, the 2076–2110 MHz frequency band may be used for the following primary and secondary services:

 

primary services

Fixed Service

(point-to-point)

Space Research Service

(Earth-to-space)

(space-to-space)

Space Operation Service

(Earth-to-space)

(space-to-space)

Earth Exploration-satellite Service

(Earth-to-space)

(space-to-space)

secondary service

Mobile Service

8 Purposes for which the 2110–2111 MHz frequency band may be used

 (1) Until the end of 25 July 2002, the 2110–2111 MHz frequency band may be used for the following primary and secondary services:

 

primary services

Fixed Service

(MDS)

Space Research Service

(deep space)

(Earth-to-space)

secondary service

Mobile Service

Note   In areas of Australia that are subject to spectrum licensing in the 2110–2170 MHz frequency band, the 2110–2111 MHz frequency band ceases to be part of this Frequency Band Plan on 26 July 2002.

 (2) For the period beginning on 26 July 2002 and ending at the end of 31 March 2004, the 2110–2111 MHz frequency band may be used for the following primary and secondary services:

 

primary services

Fixed Service

(MDS, at the sites mentioned in subsection (3))

Space Research Service

(deep space)

(Earth-to-space)

secondary service

Mobile Service

Note   In areas of Australia that are not subject to spectrum licensing in the 2110–2170 MHz frequency band, the 2110–2111 MHz frequency band ceases to be part of this Frequency Band Plan on 1 April 2004.

 (3) For the fixed service MDS mentioned in subsection (2), the sites are at the following locations and have the following geographical coordinates:

 

Location

Latitude
( South)

Longitude
( East)

Mount Isa — Emma Smith Vista

20.7353

139.4921

Broken Hill — South Mine Site

31.9767

141.4526

Cairns — Mount Yarrabah

16.9065

145.8416

Port Douglas — Flagstaff Hill

16.4834

145.4660

Townsville — Mount Stuart

19.3440

146.7813

Townsville — Aquarius (Rpt)

19.2494

146.8113

Ingham — Haig Street

18.6500

146.1567

Launceston — Mount Barrow

41.3923

147.4233

Launceston — Juliana Street

41.4569

147.1258

Mackay — Black Mountain

21.0702

149.0971

Notes to the 2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan 2002

Note 1

The 2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan 2002 (in force under sections 32 and 34 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992) as shown in this compilation is amended as indicated in the Tables below.

Table of Instruments

Title

Date of notification
in Gazette

Date of
commencement

Application, saving or
transitional provisions

2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan 2002

1 May 2002 (see Gazette 2002, No. GN17)

1 May 2002

 

2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan Variation 2002 (No. 1)

23 Oct 2002 (see Gazette 2002, No. GN42)

23 Oct 2002

2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan Variation 2003 (No. 1)

17 Sept 2003 (see Gazette 2003, No. GN37)

17 Sept 2003

Table of Amendments

ad. = added or inserted      am. = amended      rep. = repealed      rs. = repealed and substituted

Provision affected

How affected

Note before s. 1.........

am. 2003 No. 1

S. 7.................

am. 2003 No. 1

S. 8.................

am. 2002 No. 1; 2003 No. 1

Note to s. 8 (2).........

am. 2003 No. 1

 

Overview

The 2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan 2002, made under sections 32 and 34 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, was introduced to address the need for a revised frequency band plan that would better accommodate the evolving spectrum needs of the nation. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Australian Government and aims to provide a structured and regulated allocation of the 2076–2111 MHz frequency band for various radiocommunication services. The primary policy objective of this Frequency Band Plan is to ensure the efficient use of radio frequencies while accommodating both existing and emerging services. This includes the transition from Multipoint Distribution System (MDS) services to other uses such as fixed point-to-point services and the introduction of new mobile services like IMT-2000. The Frequency Band Plan also sets specific timelines for the cessation of certain services, allowing existing MDS services to continue at designated locations until 31 March 2004, after which the frequency band will be exclusively available for new services.

Scope and Application

The 2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan 2002, as amended, applies to the allocation and use of the frequency bands 2076–2110 MHz and 2110–2111 MHz within Australia. The plan is made under sections 32 and 34 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, and it revokes the Multipoint Distribution System Frequency Band Plan 2000, introducing a new framework for these specific frequency bands. The primary services that can utilise these bands include fixed services (such as Multipoint Distribution Service and point-to-point services), space research services, space operation services, and Earth exploration-satellite services. The secondary service permitted is the mobile service. The plan has a national reach and applies until the end of 31 March 2004, after which these frequencies are to be used for other services such as fixed point-to-point services and IMT-2000 mobile services. Notably, the plan does not apply to spectrum that has been designated for allocation through spectrum licences. This frequency band plan can be further extended or modified through subordinate instruments as specified in the Radiocommunications Regulations 1993.

Key Provisions

The 2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan 2002, made under sections 32 and 34 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, introduces a new frequency band plan covering frequencies in the 2076–2111 MHz range. This plan revokes the previous Multipoint Distribution System Frequency Band Plan 2000 and sets forth the specific purposes for which the frequency bands can be used. The plan commences on the date of gazettal and applies to the specified frequency bands, except where spectrum has been designated for allocation by issuing spectrum licences. The main provisions of the plan outline the permitted uses of the 2076–2110 MHz and 2110–2111 MHz frequency bands. For the 2076–2110 MHz band, until 25 July 2002, it can be used for fixed and space services, as well as mobile services. From 26 July 2002 until 31 March 2004, the same services can be used, but the fixed service must be limited to specific Multipoint Distribution System (MDS) sites in certain locations. After 31 March 2004, the band can be used for fixed point-to-point services, space services, and mobile services. For the 2110–2111 MHz band, until 25 July 2002, it can also be used for fixed and mobile services, and space services. From 26 July 2002 until 31 March 2004, the same services can be used, but only at specific MDS sites. After 31 March 2004, the band ceases to be part of this plan. The Act imposes specific obligations on entities using these frequencies. For example, it mandates that certain services must cease by specified dates, unless they are operating at designated MDS sites. Additionally, it requires that the 2076–2110 MHz band be used for fixed point-to-point services to make way for a new mobile service known as IMT-2000. Any breach of these provisions could lead to penalties, though the exact nature and severity of these penalties are not detailed in the provided text. In terms of consequences, while the specific penalties for breach are not outlined in the provided text, the Act does indicate that non-compliance with the frequency band plan could result in legal action. Typically, such breaches could lead to fines, revocation of spectrum usage rights, or other administrative actions as prescribed by the Radiocommunications Act 1992. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, and would be determined in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Technology Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Commencement Provisions
Regulatory Standards

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.