Notification of the draft Radiocommunications (Communication With Space Object) Class Licence Variation 2020 (No.1)

Administered by Department of Communications and the Arts

Legislation au C2019G01129 In force Gazette

Legislation content

 

Commonwealth of Australia

 

AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA AUTHORITY

 

Radiocommunications Act 1992

 

Notice under section 136 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992

 

NOTIFICATION OF THE DRAFT RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS (COMMUNICATION WITH SPACE OBJECT) CLASS LICENCE VARIATION 2020 (NO.1)

 

Notice is given under section 136 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act) of the draft Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object ) Class Licence Variation 2020 (No.1) (the draft Variation) proposed to be made by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) under section 132 of the Act. The draft Variation proposes to amend existing arrangements and to add new arrangements for satellite terminals by varying the Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 2015 (the CSO Class Licence).

 

Proposed changes 

 

The CSO Class Licence authorises earth stations’ and earth receive stations’ communication with space objects, provided an appropriate space or space receive apparatus licence is in force and operating in those bands contained in the CSO class licence. This removes the requirement for the individual or Australia-wide licensing of these earth and earth receive stations.

 

The draft Variation proposes to amend the CSO Class Licence by: 

 

  • inserting new frequency bands for earth station transmitters
  • inserting new frequency bands for earth station receivers
  • inserting notes to provide information regarding requirements under the Radiocommunications (Mid-West Radio Quiet Zone) Frequency Band Plan 2011
  • inserting a provision that the operation of a station for reception in certain frequency bands is not protected from interference caused by a point to point station.

 

Copies of the CSO Class Licence, the draft Variation, and the consultation paper explaining the above amendments in more detail are available on the ACMA’s website (www.acma.gov.au) and hard copies may be obtained from the ACMA by contacting:

 

Bridget Kerans

Space Systems Section

Australian Communications and Media Authority

PO Box 78

Belconnen ACT 2616

 

Email:  Bridget.Kerans@acma.gov.au

Telephone: (02) 6219 5203

 

Comments

 

Interested persons are invited to make representations about the proposed variation no later than 3 February 2020. Representations should be in writing and should be addressed to:

 

The Manager, Space Systems Section

Australian Communications and Media Authority

PO Box 78

Belconnen ACT 2616


Email: freqplan@acma.gov.au

 

 

 

 

Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence Variation 2020 (No. 1)

 

The Australian Communications and Media Authority makes the following instrument under subsection 132(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Dated: 

 

 

 

Member

 

 

 

Member/General Manager

 

Australian Communications and Media Authority

 

 

 

1  Name

  This is the Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence Variation 2020 (No. 1).

2  Commencement

  This instrument commences at the start of the day after it is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Note: The Federal Register of Legislation may be accessed free of charge at https://www.legislation.gov.au.

3  Authority

  This instrument is made under subsection 132(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

4  Amendment

  The instrument that is specified in Schedule 1 is amended as set out in that Schedule.

Schedule 1—Amendments

Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 2015 (F2015L01486)

  1. Subparagraphs 6(a)(iv) and (v)

Repeal the subparagraphs, substitute:

(iv) 28.3 to 30 GHz.

2.     Subparagraph 6(b)(vii)

Repeal the subparagraph, substitute:

(vii) 10.7 to 12.75 GHz; or

3.     Subparagraphs 6(b)(viii) to (x)

Repeal the subparagraphs, substitute: 

(viii) 17.7 to 20.2 GHz.

4.     Subsection 8(3) (note)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note 1: A station to which this class licence applies will not be afforded protection from interference caused by a radiocommunications transmitter of other radiocommunications services.

Note 2: In accordance with section 137 of the Act, this class licence does not authorise the operation of any station in a way that is inconsistent with the terms of the  Radiocommunications (Mid-West Radio Quiet Zone) Frequency Band Plan 2011 [F2011L01520], as in force from time to time, accessible for free at www.legislation.gov.au.

Note 3: Section 197 of the Act makes it an offence for a person to engage in conduct where they are reckless as to whether that conduct will result in substantial interference with, or substantial disruption or disturbance of, radiocommunications.  In administering that provision with respect to the operation of a station for transmission on land under this class licence within the RQZ (inner) zone described in item 1 of the Schedule to the Radiocommunications (Mid-West Radio Quiet Zone) Frequency Band Plan 2011 [F2011L01520], as in force from time to time, the ACMA will take into account whether or not the entity responsible for operating the Murchison Radioastronomy Observatory has agreed to the operation of the station.

5.     After section 8

Insert:

9 Interference to certain receiving stations

The operation of a station for reception in the following frequency ranges is authorised on the basis of no protection from interference caused by a point to point station:

(a)           10.7 to 11.7 GHz;

(b)           18.2 to 18.8 GHz;

(c)           19.3 to 19.7 GHz.

 

Overview

The Radiocommunications Act 1992 was enacted to regulate the use of the radio spectrum in Australia, aiming to manage interference and promote efficient use of radio frequencies. This Act provides a framework for the licensing and regulation of radiocommunications services, including those involving communication with space objects. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for administering the Act and ensuring compliance with its provisions. The draft Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence Variation 2020 (No.1) seeks to update the existing arrangements by varying the Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 2015. The proposed changes include inserting new frequency bands for earth station transmitters and receivers, providing additional information regarding the Radiocommunications (Mid-West Radio Quiet Zone) Frequency Band Plan 2011, and clarifying that reception in certain frequency bands is not protected from interference by point-to-point stations. The objective of these amendments is to streamline the licensing process for satellite terminals while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and minimising interference.

Scope and Application

The Radiocommunications Act 1992 governs the regulation of radiocommunications within Australia, including the use of radio spectrum and the licensing of radiocommunications services. The Act applies to persons and entities involved in radiocommunications activities within Australia, encompassing both commercial and non-commercial uses. This includes industries such as telecommunications, broadcasting, and space-based communication services. The Act sets out the legal framework for the licensing and regulation of these activities, ensuring that they comply with national and international standards to avoid interference and ensure efficient use of the radio spectrum. The Act operates across the Commonwealth, with certain provisions applicable to state and territory matters as well. The Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence Variation 2020 (No. 1) further refines the regulatory environment by introducing amendments to the existing Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 2015, expanding the frequency bands available for earth station transmitters and receivers and providing additional information and provisions to mitigate potential interference issues. The Act allows for further specification and restriction of its application through subordinate instruments, which in this case are the variations to the Class Licence.

Key Provisions

The Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence Variation 2020 (No. 1) under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 proposes significant amendments to the existing Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 2015 (the CSO Class Licence) (s4). The key changes include the insertion of new frequency bands for both earth station transmitters and receivers, adding more flexibility and capacity for communication with space objects. Additionally, the draft variation introduces new notes to provide information on requirements under the Radiocommunications (Mid-West Radio Quiet Zone) Frequency Band Plan 2011 (s8(3)). Importantly, it also includes a provision stating that the operation of a station for reception in certain frequency bands is not protected from interference caused by point-to-point stations (s9). These changes aim to modernise the regulatory framework governing communication with space objects. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on entities governed by it. Primarily, any entity operating earth stations or earth receive stations must ensure compliance with the terms of the CSO Class Licence and the proposed amendments. This includes adhering to the newly inserted frequency bands and complying with the requirements under the Radiocommunications (Mid-West Radio Quiet Zone) Frequency Band Plan 2011. Additionally, operators must be aware that some receiving stations will not be protected from interference caused by point-to-point stations in specified frequency ranges. This necessitates careful planning and management of operations to mitigate potential interference issues. The Radiocommunications Act 1992 outlines various offences and penalties for non-compliance. For instance, engaging in conduct that results in substantial interference with, or disruption of, radiocommunications is an offence under section 197 of the Act. Those found guilty of such offences may face criminal penalties, which can include fines and imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the severity and nature of the breach, but they are designed to enforce compliance and maintain the integrity of radiocommunications systems. Non-compliance with the new provisions regarding frequency bands and interference protection could similarly attract these penalties, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the updated regulations.

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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.