EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Radiocommunications (Charges) Amendment Determination 2014 (No.1)
Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005
Legislative Provisions
The Radiocommunications (Charges) Amendment Determination 2014 (No.1) (the Amendment Determination) has been made by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) to amend the Radiocommunications (Charges) Determination 2007 (the Determination). The Determination provides updated charges arising from a review of the ACMA’s cost recovery fees focusing on the automation of the ACMA’s licensing systems. An additional charge for a wireless audio system has also been included in the Determination.
Subsection 60(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 (the ACMA Act) provides that the ACMA may, by written instrument, make determinations fixing charges for services and facilities provided by the ACMA and for any matter in relation to which expenses are incurred by the ACMA under the ACMA Act and the Radiocommunications Act 1992. The charges must not be such as to amount to taxation.
The Determination is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Background
The ACMA reviewed its fees for radiocommunications activities in order to facilitate the implementation of a new suite of engineering and licence management tools. The new set of tools is the first step in an automated licensing process which will enable a high level of customer self-service associated with routine licensing activities. As part of the implementation of this new process, the ACMA is moving from a combination of variable and fixed pricing to a fixed pricing regime for most of the licensing products relating to radiocommunications activities. The conversion of variable rates to fixed rates has led to changes in the description of fees for certain radiocommunications activities.
The ACMA is also making some changes to the Determination which are consequential on the changes to the Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Determination 2003 (No. 2) (the TLT Determination) being made by the Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Amendment Determination 2014 (No. 2) to provide for a more affordable tax payable by wireless microphone operators who choose to use apparatus licences to operate in the frequency range 520 to 694 MHz. The relevant changes being made to the Determination set the charge payable for the issue of a land mobile licence for the operation of a wireless audio system allowing the operation of such a system in the broadcasting services band and are consequential on the changes to the TLT Determination.
The Determination specifies the fees payable to the ACMA for a range of services provided by the ACMA under the ACMA Act and the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
Regulation Impact
The Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) has advised the proposed changes for the radiocommunications fees including introduction of a more affordable apparatus licensing fee arrangement for a wireless audio system are minor in nature and a Regulation Impact Statement is not required for the Amendment Determination. The OBPR reference numbers are ID 17174 and ID 17003 for changes to general radiocommunications fees and the fees for wireless audio systems respectively. A Cost Recovery Implementation Statement has been prepared which outlines the basis for calculating the charges payable.
Consultation
The ACMA consulted with radiocommunications licensees and accredited persons for a period of six weeks from 21 July 2014 on the radiocommunications fee changes. A separate consultation was conducted from 10 July 2014 for proposed fee changes for a wireless audio system as the proposal also required changes to the Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Determination 2003 (No. 2).
The wireless audio transmitter licence issue fee was widely publicised in the form of a media release to all stakeholders (including journalists and others who subscribe to receive the ACMA media), and separately in the form of an e-bulletin to all wireless microphone users. The discussion paper relating to the changes to radiocommunications fees was issued to radiocommunications licensees (approximately 700) and accredited persons by email and mail seeking comments on the proposed changes. For both consultations, the ACMA published a discussion paper on its website and called for comments.
The ACMA received six submissions on the proposed fees and charges. A summary of the matters raised by the stakeholders from the consultation process is provided in the ACMA’s Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (section 5), which can be accessed from the following link:
http://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/About/Corporate/Accountability/cost-recovery-impact-statements-acma
Commencement of Determination
The Amendment Determination commences on 5 April 2015 for the changes in relation to radiocommunications fees other than those for a wireless audio system. The changes in relation to a wireless audio system commence on the day after the Amendment Determination is registered. The ACMA intends to have the fee for issuing audio wireless transmitter licences in place by the end of October 2014 in order to provide sufficient time for interested users to plan for major events in 2015.
Notes on Sections
The provisions of the Amendment Determination are described in Attachment 1.
Charges – Detailed Explanations
Attachment 1 sets out each charge item being amended, substituted or added by the Amendment Determination and the variance in comparison with the pre-existing amount of charge (if applicable). Attachment 2 also describes the reason for the differentiation in the amount of charge payable under the amendments being made by the Amendment Determination.
Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights
Subsection 9(1) of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 requires the rule maker in relation to a legislative instrument to which section 42 (disallowance) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 applies to cause a statement of compatibility to be prepared in respect of that legislative instrument.
This statement has been prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011. The Amendment Determination provides updated charges arising from a review of the ACMA’s cost recovery fees.
The ACMA has reviewed its fees in accordance with the Australian Government’s Cost Recovery Guidelines – July 2014 as part of the automation of its licensing activities for radiocommunications and to set a new , lower issue fee for a wireless audio system under the cost recovery arrangements. The review resulted in updates to a certain fees for services provided by the ACMA under the ACMA Act and the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
The ACMA has considered whether the Amendment Determination engages any applicable human rights or freedoms and has formed the view that it does not. The Amendment Determination is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.
Attachment 1
NOTES ON SECTIONS
Section 1 - Name of Determination
Section 1 provides for the citation of the Amendment Determination as the Radiocommunications (Charges) Amendment Determination 2014 (No.1).
Section 2 - Commencement
Section 2 provides that Schedule 1 will commence on the day after it is registered and Schedule 2 will commence on 5 April 2015.
Section 3 – Amendments to Radiocommunications (Charges) Determination 2007
Section 3 provides that the Radiocommunications (Charges) Determination 2007 is amended in accordance with Schedules 1 and 2.
Schedule 1- Amendments commencing on the day after registration
Item [1] inserts a definition of a wireless audio system in subsection 4(1).
Item [2] inserts item 6.17A after item 6.17 in Part 6 of Schedule 2. Item 6.17A provides that the issue charge for a land mobile licence for a wireless audio system will be $493.00.
Schedule 2 - Amendments commencing on 5 April 2015
Item [1] inserts a definition of a non-assigned licence in subsection 4(1).
Item [2] omits the reference to sections 18 and 19 in subsection 9(1) which sections are omitted by items 10 and 11 respectively.
Items [3] and [4] vary the descriptions of the licence types in items 1 and 2 of Table 2 at section 13. Section 13 relates to the charge applicable for consideration by the ACMA of an application for a notice under section 11 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 to vary a condition of a licence. The length of time taken to consider the variation application will no longer be relevant. Instead, the charge of $49 will apply where technical coordination work is not required and the new charge set in item [5] below will apply where the ACMA has performed technical coordination work.
Item [5] replaces the hourly rate applicable to the licence type in item 2 of Table 2 at section 13 with the applicable charge for issuing the licence as specified in Part 6 of Schedule 2
Item [6] inserts a new licence type in Table 2 at section 13 after item 3. The new licence type is for the operation of a low power open narrowcasting service at a charge of $99.00. Variations to low power open narrowcasting services were previously charged at an hourly rate under the general service charge at section 14. This item defines a fixed fee.
Items [7] and [8] replace a reference to “spectrum access” with a reference to “frequency assignment or paired frequency assignment” for varying each condition of a licence in items 4 and 5 in Table 2 at section 13.
Item [9] replaces hourly rate with a fixed charge of $197 for each application group for issuing a licence in item 3 in Table 3 at section 15.
Items [10] and [11] omit sections 18 and 19 from the Radiocommunications (Charges) Determination 2007. These sections have been omitted because the service performed is the same regardless of the time period of the licence, therefore there need be no pro-rata rate for the service.
Items [12] and [13] replace the charge of $55.00 including GST with a charge of $53.90 including GST for issuing a duplicate instrument or a copy of a licence in items 3.1 and 3.2 of Schedule 2 in Part 3.
Item [14] omits Part 6, Schedule 2 and substitutes a new Part 6 specifying revised administrative charges for the first issue of assigned licences (refer activities 3 to 27 of Attachment 2).
Item [15] omits the words “or renewing”, “or renewal” and “or renew” whenever they occur in Part 7, Schedule 2 (including the heading) in order to exclude renewal charges for non-assigned licences (refer Note 4 of Attachment 2).
Items [16] and [17] insert “or non-assigned” after assigned in the heading of Part 8 of Schedule 2 and in item 8.1 of Part 8 in Schedule 2 in order to incorporate a renewal charge for a non-assigned licence.
Item [18] omits Part 10 of Schedule 2 and substitutes a new Part 10 specifying revised miscellaneous expenses (refer activities 43 to 47 of Attachment 2).
Item [19] omits Part 11 of Schedule 2 and substitutes a new Part 11 specifying revised changes for spectrum licences (refer activities 48 to 56 of Attachment 2).
Item [20] omits Part 12 of Schedule 2 and substitutes a new Part 12 specifying a revised administrative charge for issue or renewal of PTS licences (refer activities 57 to 59 of Attachment 2).
Charges – Detailed explanations Attachment 2
Activity Ref | Fee Type | Relevant Amending Provision | Current Description | Proposed Description | Sub-type | Current Fee | New Fee | Reason for increase or decrease |
1 | Documents | Items 12 and 13 of Sch 2 to the Radiocommunications (Charges) Amendment Determination 2014 (No.1) (Amendment Determination) amending item 3.2, Part 3, Sch 2 to the Radiocommunications (Charges) Determination 2007 (RCD) | Issuing a duplicate instrument of any kind or, where such duplicate instrument cannot be issued, a letter on confirmation | No change | Duplicated instrument of any kind | $55 | $53.90 | Decrease due to rounding |
2 |
| Issuing a copy of a licence that includes changes to particulars of the licensee | No change | Licence copy—Changed particulars | $55 | $53.90 | Decrease due to rounding | |
3 | Assigned Licence Issue | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.3(b), Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD
| Issuing a broadcasting licence for the operation of a narrowband area service transmitter, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it—for each frequency assigned, or requested for assignment, for the purpose of transmission: if the frequency operates outside the band 70-960 MHz | No change | Narrowband Area Service | Hourly rate @ $197 | $394 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. |
4 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.4, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD
| Issuing an earth licence for the operation of a mobile earth station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it—for each frequency assigned, or requested for assignment, for the purpose of transmission | No change | Mobile Earth | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
5 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.5, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD
| Issuing an earth licence for the operation of a fixed earth station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it—for each frequency assigned, or requested for assignment, for the purpose of transmission | No change | Fixed Earth | Hourly rate @ $197 | $197 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
6 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.7, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD
| Issuing a fixed licence for the operation of a point to multipoint station for a wireless access service, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it, other than: (a) a fixed licence mentioned in item above (point to multipoint) or item below (point to multipoint system); or (b) a licence allocated by a price based allocation process, in accordance with the Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licences—Auction) Determination 2006;—for each frequency assigned, or requested for assignment, for the purpose of transmission | No change | Point to Multipoint | Hourly rate @ $197 | $394 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
7 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.13, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD
| Issuing a fixed licence that authorises the holder of the licence to operate a television outside broadcast station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it — for each frequency assigned, or requested for assignment, for the purpose of transmission | Considering the issue of a fixed licence for the operation of a television outside broadcast system - for each frequency assigned, or requested for assignment, and issuing it (if applicable)
| Television Outside Broadcast System | $296 | $296 | Change of description – refer Note 1 | |
8 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.15, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD
| Issuing a land mobile licence for the operation of a land mobile system service, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it—for each frequency assigned, or requested for assignment, for the purpose of transmission. If the frequency is no more than 30 MHz – less than 45 minutes | None | Land Mobile System 0–30MHz & <45 min | $148 | Not applicable | Deleted – no longer applicable | |
8a | Items 2 of Sch 1 and item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination inserting item 6.17A, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD
| Issuing a land mobile licence for the operation of an ambulatory station or an ambulatory system, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it — for each frequency assigned, or requested for assignment, for the purpose of transmission: (b) in any other case | Issuing a land mobile licence for the operation of a wireless audio system, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Wireless audio system | 0 | $493 | This is a new fee for issuing wireless audio system – refer Note 3. | |
9 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.20, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of a maritime coast licence for the operation of a major coast A station on an assigned basis, and issuing it (if applicable) | No change | Major Coast A | Hourly rate @ $197 | $148 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method B is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
10 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.22, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of a maritime coast licence for the operation of a major coast B station on an assigned basis, and issuing the licence (if applicable) | No change | Major Coast B | Hourly rate @ $197 | $148 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method B is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
11 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.23, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of a maritime ship licence for the operation of a ship station class B assigned, and issuing it (if applicable) | No change | Ship Station Class B Assigned | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
12 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.24, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of a maritime ship licence for the operation of a ship station class C assigned, and issuing it (if applicable | No change | Ship Station Class C Assigned | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
13 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.25, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of an outpost licence for the operation of an outpost assigned station, and issuing it (if applicable) | No change | Outpost Assigned | Hourly rate @ $197 | $49 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
14 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.27, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Issuing a scientific licence for the operation of a scientific assigned station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it—for each frequency assigned, or requested for assignment, for the purpose of transmission | No change | Scientific Assigned | Hourly rate @ $197 | $591 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
15 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.28, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of a space licence, and issuing it (if applicable) | No change | Space | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
16 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.29, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of a space receive licence, and issuing it (if applicable) | No change | Space Receive | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
17 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.30, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of a major coast receive licence, and issuing it (if applicable) | No change | Major Coast Receive | Hourly rate @ $197 | $148 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method B is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
18 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.31, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of an earth receive licence, and issuing it (if applicable) | No change | Earth Receive | Hourly rate @ $197 | $148 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
19 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.32, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of a fixed receive licence, and issuing it (if applicable)—for each frequency assigned, or requested for assignment | No change | Fixed Receive | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
20 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.34, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of a licence, and issuing it (if applicable), if: (a) the application is one of a group of two or more applications all of which relate to: (i) an event that happens for a period of not more than two weeks | No change | Application is one of a group of two or more and <two weeks | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
21 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.34A, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering the issue of a licence, and issuing it (if applicable), if: (a) the application is one of a group of two or more applications all of which relate to: (ii) military or other defence manoeuvres, involving simulated wartime operations carried out to train and evaluate personnel, that happen for a period of not more than 3 months | No change | Major Events and Defence Exercises
| Hourly rate @ $197
| $296 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
22 | Considering the issue of a licence, and issuing it (if applicable), if: (b) all applications in the group are made at the same time | |||||||
23 | Considering the issue of a licence, and issuing it (if applicable), if: (c) all applications in the group are to be dealt with using an abridged frequency coordination procedure | |||||||
24 | Considering the issue of a licence, and issuing it (if applicable), if: (d) associated licences are to be issued on the basis that the use of the licences: (i) is not to cause interference; and (ii) will not be afforded protection from interference caused by other services |
| ||||||
25 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 6.35, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering an application for a transmitter licence for a high power open narrowcasting service to be allocated using a price based allocation system under the Radiocommunications (Issue of Broadcasting (Narrowcasting) Transmitter Licences) Determination No. 1 of 1996,and issuing it (if applicable) | Considering an application for a transmitter licence for a high power open narrowcasting service to be allocated using a price based allocation system under the Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences – High Powered Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2014,and issuing it (if applicable) | Priced-based allocation of Transmitter Licence for High Power Open Narrowcasting | $825 | $825 | Change of description – refer Note 1 | |
26 | Assigned Licence Issue | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination omitting item 6.36, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering an application for a transmitter licence for a low power open narrowcasting service to be allocated using a price based allocation system under the Radiocommunications (Issue of Broadcasting (Narrowcasting) Transmitter Licences) Determination No. 1 of 1996 and issuing it (if applicable) | None | Priced-based allocation of Transmitter Licence for low Power Open Narrowcasting | $394 | Not applicable | Deleted – no longer applicable |
27 | Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination inserting item 6.36, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | Considering an application for a transmitter licence for a high power open narrowcasting service to be allocated using a price based allocation system under the Radiocommunications (Issue of Broadcasting (Narrowcasting) Transmitter Licences) Determination No. 1 of 1996,and issuing it (if applicable) | Considering an application for a high frequency service, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | HF domestic service | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
Item 14 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination inserting item 6.36, Part 6, Sch 2 to the RCD | HF overseas IBL | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||||
| HF overseas | -Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||||
28 | Issue of Non-assigned Licence | Item 15 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending Part 7, Sch 2 to the RCD by omitting the words “or renewing”, “or renewal” and “or renew” wherever they occur | Issuing or renewing an amateur licence to a person to whom an Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency (Advanced) has been granted or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing an amateur licence to a person to whom an Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency (Advanced) has been granted or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue r it | Amateur—Advanced | $28 | $28 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 |
29 | Issuing or renewing an amateur licence to a person to whom an Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency (Standard) has been granted or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing an amateur licence to a person to whom an Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency (Standard) has been granted or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Amateur—Standard | $28 | $28 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
30 | Issuing or renewing an amateur licence to a person to whom an Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency (Foundation) has been granted or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing an amateur licence to a person to whom an Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency (Foundation) has been granted or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Amateur—Foundation | $28 | $28 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
31 | Issuing or renewing a fixed licence for the operation of a television outside broadcast network, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing a fixed licence for the operation of a television outside broadcast network, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Television Outside Broadcast Network | $23 | $23 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
32 | Issuing or renewing a maritime coast licence for the operation of a limited coast non assigned station, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing a maritime coast licence for the operation of a limited coast non assigned station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Limited Coast Non Assigned | $14 | $14 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
33 | Issuing or renewing a maritime coast licence for the operation of a limited coast marine rescue station on a non-assigned basis, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing a maritime coast licence for the operation of a limited coast marine rescue station on a non-assigned basis, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Limited Coast Marine Rescue | $14 | $14 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
34 | Issuing or renewing an outpost licence for the operation of an outpost non assigned station, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing an outpost licence for the operation of an outpost non assigned station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Outpost Non Assigned | $7 | $7 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
35 | Issuing or renewing a scientific licence for the operation of a scientific non assigned station, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing a scientific licence for the operation of a scientific non assigned station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Scientific Non Assigned | $14 | $14 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
36 | Issuing or renewing a maritime ship licence for the operation of a ship station class B non-assigned, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing a maritime ship licence for the operation of a ship station class B non-assigned, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Ship Station Class B Non Assigned | $18 | $18 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
37 | Issuing or renewing a maritime ship licence for the operation of a ship station class C non assigned, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing a maritime ship licence for the operation of a ship station class C non assigned, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Ship Station Class C Non Assigned | $16 | $16 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
38 | Issuing or renewing a fixed licence for the operation of a sound outside broadcast station, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing a fixed licence for the operation of a sound outside broadcast station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Sound Outside Broadcast | $14 | $14 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
39 | Issuing or renewing a fixed licence for the operation of a temporary fixed link station, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing a fixed licence for the operation of a temporary fixed link station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Temporary Fixed Link Station | $14 | $14 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
40 | Issuing or renewing an amateur licence for the operation of an amateur beacon station, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing an amateur licence for the operation of an amateur beacon station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Amateur Beacon Station | $28 | $28 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
41 | Issuing or renewing an amateur licence for the operation of an amateur repeater station, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing an amateur licence for the operation of an amateur repeater station, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | Amateur Repeater | $28 | $28 | Change of description – refer Notes 1 & 4 | ||
42 | Renewal of Assigned or Non-assigned Licence | Items 16 and 17 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending Part 8, Sch 2 to the RCD so that it applies to the renewal of non-assigned licences | Renewing a licence that has been issued on an assigned basis, or considering the renewal of the licence without proceeding to renew it, | Renewing a licence that has been issued on an assigned or non-assigned basis, or considering the renewal of the licence without proceeding to renew it, | Licence Renewals | $4 | $4 | Fee for non-assigned licence is reduced by 77% on average – refer Note 1 and 4 |
43 | Miscellaneous expenses | Item 18 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending Part 10, Sch 2 to the RCD | Transfer of a licence, or considering the transfer of the licence without proceeding to transfer it: (a) up to four transfers (each) | Transfer of a licence or a group of licences where the licences are contained in one application, or considering the transfer of the licence or a group of licences where the licences are contained in one application without proceeding to transfer it | Licence transfer | $49 | $49 | Change of description – refer Note 1 |
44 | Transfer of a licence, or considering the transfer of the licence without proceeding to transfer it: (b) more than four transfers | None | Licence transfer more than four transfers | Hourly rate @ $197 | Not applicable | Deleted – no longer applicable | ||
45 | Issuing or renewing an authorisation for the Department of Defence or the Australian Defence Force to use the bands in the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan that are subject to Australian Footnote AUS1, AUS9, AUS11 or AUS28 | Issuing an authorisation for the Department of Defence or the Australian Defence Force to use the bands in the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan that are subject to Australian Footnote AUS1, AUS9, AUS11 or AUS28 | Defence Licence | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||
46 | Issuing or renewing an authorisation for the Department of Defence or the Australian Defence Force to use the bands in the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan that are subject to Australian Footnote AUS1, AUS9, AUS11 or AUS28 | Renewing an authorisation for the Department of Defence or the Australian Defence Force to use the bands in the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan that are subject to Australian Footnote AUS1, AUS9, AUS11 or AUS28 | Defence Licence Renewal | Hourly rate @ $197 | $4 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method B is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||
47 | Recording the issue of a transmitter licence to a person to whom a related licence within the meaning of subsection 102 (1) of the Radiocommunications Act is transferred | Recording the issue of a transmitter licence to a person to whom a related licence within the meaning of subsection 102 (1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 is transferred | Recording the issue of a transmitter licence to a person to whom a related licence within the meaning of subsection 102(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 is transferred | Hourly rate @ $197 | $49 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||
48 | Spectrum Licence | Item 19 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending Part 11, Sch 2 to the RCD | Processing an application to: (a) register one or more devices, under an issued spectrum licence | Processing an application to: (a) register one or more devices, under an issued spectrum licence – electronic submission | Considering registration of a device under an issued spectrum licence – electronic submission | Hourly rate @ $197 | $0 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. |
49 | Processing an application to: (a) register one or more devices, under an issued spectrum licence | Processing an application to: (a) register one or more devices, under an issued spectrum licence – paper based submission | Considering registration of a device under an issued spectrum licence – paper based submission | Hourly rate @ $197 | Hourly rate @ $197 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. The hourly rate is retained due to paper based submission. | ||
50 | Processing an application to: (b) amend (excluding deletions) the registered details of one or more devices | Processing an application to: (b) amend (excluding deletions) the registered details of one or more devices – electronic submission | Amending registered details of device – electronic submission | Hourly rate @ $197 | $0 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||
51 | Processing an application to: (b) amend (excluding deletions) the registered details of one or more devices | Processing an application to: (b) amend (excluding deletions) the registered details of one or more devices – paper based submission | Amending registered details of device – paper based submission | Hourly rate @ $197 | Hourly rate @ $197 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. The hourly rate is retained due to paper based submission. | ||
52 | Checking compliance with any licence conditions, determinations under subsection 145 (4) of the Radiocommunications Act and advisory guidelines in relation to an application to register a device under an issued spectrum licence, or in respect of an application to amend the registered details of a device | Checking compliance with any licence conditions, determinations under subsection 145 (4) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and advisory guidelines in relation to an application to register a device under an issued spectrum licence, or in respect of an application to amend the registered details of a device – electronic submission | Assessing compliance with licence conditions in registering device under issued spectrum licence, or alteration of registered details – electronic submission | Hourly rate @ $197 | $0 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||
53 | Checking compliance with any licence conditions, determinations under subsection 145 (4) of the Radiocommunications Act and advisory guidelines in relation to an application to register a device under an issued spectrum licence, or in respect of an application to amend the registered details of a device | Checking compliance with any licence conditions, determinations under subsection 145 (4) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and advisory guidelines in relation to an application to register a device under an issued spectrum licence, or in respect of an application to amend the registered details of a device – paper based submission | Assessing compliance with licence conditions in registering device under issued spectrum licence, or alteration of registered details – paper based submission | Hourly rate @ $197 | Hourly rate @ $197 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. The hourly rate is retained due to paper based submission. | ||
54 | Issuing a new licence or issuing a reprint of a spectrum licence | Issuing a new licence or issuing a reprint of a spectrum licence (other than a new licence issued subsequent to an auction or an allocation for a pre‑determined price in respect of that licence | Issuing new licence or reprint of spectrum licence | $49 | $49 | Change of description – refer Note 1 | ||
55 | Processing an application to vary the conditions of an issued spectrum licence | No change | Considering variation of the conditions of issued spectrum licence | Hourly rate @ $197 | $197 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||
56 | Issuing a new licence or issuing a reprint of a spectrum licence | Processing an application to trade a spectrum licence | Considering and registering the trade of a spectrum licence | Hourly rate @ $197 | $49 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||
57 | Issue or Renewal of PTS Licence | Item 20 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending Part 12, Sch 2 to the RCD | Issuing or renewing a PTS licence for the operation of a land station in a PMTS class B, or considering the issue or renewal of the licence without proceeding to issue or renew it | Issuing a PTS licence for the operation of a land station in a PMTS class B, or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | PMTS Class B | Hourly rate @ $197 | $394 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. |
58 | a PTS licence for the operation of a station in a PMTS Class B or considering the renewal of a licence without proceeding to renew it | Renewing a PTS licence for the operation of a station in a PMTS Class B or PMTS Class C or considering the renewal of a licence without proceeding to renew it | Renewals PMTS Class B | Hourly rate @ $197 | $4 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||
59 | Issuing a PTS licence for the operation of a station in a PMTS Class C or considering the issue of the licence without proceeding to issue it | No change | PMTS Class C | Hourly rate @ $197 | $49 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | ||
60 | Varying a Licence Condition | Item 3 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 1, column 2, paragraph (c), Table 2, section 13 to the RCD | (a) a type of assigned licence or a type of non-assigned licence; and (b) the licence is mentioned in an item in Part 6 or Part 7 of Schedule 2 and is not of a type mentioned in item 3 of Table 22; and (c) the time taken to consider the variation application is not more than 15 minutes | (a) a type of assigned licence or a type of non-assigned licence; and (b) the licence is mentioned in an item in Part 6 or Part 7 of Schedule 2 and is not of a type mentioned in item 3 of Table 22; and (c) the ACMA does not perform technical co-ordination. | Varying a Licence Condition | $49 | $49 | Change of description – refer Note 1 |
61 | Items 4 and 5 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 2, column 2, paragraph (c), Table 2, section 13 to the RCD | (a) a type of assigned licence; and (b) the licence is mentioned in an item in Part 6 of Schedule 2; and (c) the application for the variation notice is not associated with either a paper or electronic frequency assignment certificate lodged by an accredited person; and (d) the time taken to consider the application is more than 15 minutes | a) a type of assigned licence; and (b) the licence is mentioned in an item in Part 6 of Schedule 2; and (c) the application for the variation notice is not associated with either a paper or electronic frequency assignment certificate lodged by an accredited person; and (d) the ACMA has performed technical co-ordination | Varying a Licence Condition | Hourly rate @ $197 | The applicable charge for issuing the licence as specified in Part 6 of Schedule 2 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method B is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
62 | Item 6 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination inserting item 3A in Table 2, section 13 to the RCD | Considering an application for a transmitter licence for a low power open narrowcasting service to be allocated using a price based allocation system under the Radiocommunications (Issue of Broadcasting (Narrowcasting) Transmitter Licences) Determination No. 1 of 1996 and issuing it (if applicable) | Licence for low power open narrowcasting services (LPON) | Varying a Licence Condition | Hourly rate @ $197 | $99 | 1. Change of description – refer Note 1.
2. Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method A is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. | |
63 | Item 7 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 4, column 3, Table 2, section 13 to the RCD | (a) item 1, 2 or 3 of Table 2 of the Radiocommunications (Charges) Determination 2007 does not apply to the application for the variation notice; and (b) the application for the variation notice is associated with a paper based frequency assignment certificate lodged by an accredited person; and (c) in considering the application, the ACMA does not perform coordination procedures to minimise interference. | No change | Varying a Licence Condition | $148 for each spectrum access to which the notice relates | $148 for each frequency assignment or paired frequency assignment to which the notice relates | Change of description – refer Note 1 | |
64 | Item 8 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 5, column 3, Table 2, section 13 to the RCD | (a) item 1, 2 or 3 of Table 2 of the Radiocommunications (Charges) Determination 2007 does not apply to the application for the variation notice; and (b) the application for the variation notice is associated with a frequency assignment certificate lodged by an accredited person using the ACMA’s Accredited Person Online Submission System; and (c) in considering the application, the ACMA does not perform coordination procedures to minimise interference | No change | Varying a Licence Condition | $99 for each spectrum access to which the notice relates | $99 for each frequency assignment or paired frequency assignment to which the notice relates | Change of description – refer Note 1 | |
65 | Paper based frequency based assignment certificate | Item 9 of Sch 2 to the Amendment Determination amending item 3, column 3, Table 3, section 15 to the RCD | Licence application is one of a group of two or more applications all of which relate to: (i) an event that happens for a period of not more than two weeks; or (ii) military or other defence manoeuvres, involving simulated wartime operations carried out to train and evaluate personnel, that happen for a period of not more than three months | No change | Paper-based frequency assignment certificate | Hourly rate @ $197 | $197 | Negligible increase or decrease. The change is due to conversion of an hourly rate to a fixed rate. Method C is used – refer Notes 1 & 2 below this Table. |
All applications in the group are made at the same time | ||||||||
Considering the issue of the licences, the ACMA does not perform coordination procedures to minimise interference | ||||||||
Associated licences (if applicable) are to be issued on the basis that the use of the licences: (i) is not to cause interference; and (ii) will not be afforded protection from interference caused by other services |
Notes
- Background - The ACMA is introducing a new suite of tools to replace the existing licence management system. The new tool set is the first step in an automated licensing process which will enable a high level of customer self-service associated with routine licensing activities. An important step in achieving a self-service environment is to have fixed pricing for key licensing activities. As the use of variable rates (that is, per hourly rates) complicates the automation processes, variable rates have been converted into fixed rates for radiocommunications activities. The change to fixed pricing is expected to provide operating efficiencies by simplifying the application process for radiocommunications licences, and result in an easier system for applicants to use. The conversion to fixed rates has led to changes in the description of fees for certain radiocommunications activities as listed in the above Table.
- Calculation methodology - The calculation of fixed fees was based on the ACMA’s hourly rate multiplied by the estimated time taken to conduct each activity. The following methodologies have been used to assess the time taken to process individual licence types as appropriate
a) Method A – If there were licences issued during the 2012-13 financial year, an average of the time taken to issue the particular licence type;
b) Method B – If there were no licences issued during 2012-13 financial year, the time taken to process similar licence types which have a standard fee; and
c) Method C - If neither Method A nor Method B apply, as there were no similar licence types or previous issues, the time taken to process was estimated by the licensing staff based on a time and motion study methodology.
The impact on most of the changes is negligible as the conversion of fees from a variable rate to a fixed rate is based on an average time taken to perform the activities.
3. Wireless audio system – This is a new fee for issuing a wireless audio transmitter licence (activity 8a). This is effectively the same as the existing issue charge of an ambulatory station as both licence types are substantially similar and the costs of reviewing applications are comparable.
4. Non-assigned licence renewal - The fee for non-assigned licence renewal (activities 28 to 41) reduced from its issue fee of between $7 and $28 to $4 and incorporated with activity 42 - renewal of assigned licence. There is no additional cost for renewing non-assigned licence, as both licence renewal processes are similar.