Commonwealth of Australia
AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA AUTHORITY
Radiocommunications Act 1992
Notice under subsection 136(2) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REVOCATION OF RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS (CORDLESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES) CLASS LICENCE 2014
Notice is given under subsection 136(2) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act) that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) proposes to revoke the Radiocommunications (Cordless Communications Devices) Class Licence 2014 (the Cordless Devices Class Licence), which is available, free of charge, on the Federal Register of Legislation (www.legislation.gov.au).
Proposed changes
The Cordless Devices Class Licence authorises the operation of cordless communication devices such as those using technology known as Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) and imposes conditions relating to operational requirements and technical parameters.
The Legislation Act 2003 (LA) provides for a regime for the automatic repeal of certain legislative instruments approximately 10 years after they are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. This process is referred to as sunsetting. To preserve the effect of an instrument it will need to be remade prior to the sunset date. The purpose of sunsetting is to ensure that legislative instruments are kept up-to-date and only remain in force as long as they are needed (see section 49 of the LA).
The Cordless Devices Class Licence will sunset on 1 April 2025, unless revoked and remade before that date.
The ACMA is proposing to revoke the Cordless Devices Class Licence and remake it so that its on-going effect is preserved. However, the following changes are proposed:
The removal of the 857-865 MHz frequency range from the Cordless Devices Class Licence:
- In November 2015, the ACMA released The ACMA’s long-term strategy for the 803-960 MHz band, which outlined a plan to clear existing services from the frequency ranges 809–825 MHz and 854–870 MHz to facilitate deployment of wireless broadband services. This included removing arrangements for the cordless telephone service (CTS) in 857-865 MHz.
- The then Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts made the Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re‑allocation—850/900 MHz Band) Declaration 2020. An auction to allocate spectrum licences in the 850/900 MHz band was held in 2021, including 859-870 MHz. These spectrum licences commence on 1 July 2024. Therefore, the class licensing of cordless communications devices in the 857-865 MHz should cease by 1 July 2024.
The removal of authorisation of personal handy phone system (PHS) devices, which have become obsolete.
This notice informs interested parties that the ACMA intends to revoke the Cordless Devices Class Licence and remake it substantially as is, subject to those changes identified above. Those changes may make the use of some devices unlawful.
Comments
Under section 136 of the Act, the ACMA is inviting representations about the proposal to revoke the Cordless Devices Class Licence.
The Cordless Devices Class Licence is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2014L01800/latest/text.
The proposed new instrument and associated consultation paper are available on the ACMA’s website at : https://www.acma.gov.au/consultations/2024-04/remaking-radiocommunications-cordless-communications-devices-class-licence-2014
Interested persons are invited to make representations about the proposed revocation no later than 13 May 2024. Representations should be in writing and should be addressed to:
The Manager
Spectrum Planning Section
Australian Communications and Media Authority
PO Box 78
Belconnen ACT 2616
or by email to: freqplan@acma.gov.au
Copies of the Cordless Devices Class Licence, proposed new instrument and associated consultation paper may be obtained from the ACMA’s Canberra Office using the above contact details.