Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence Variation 2001 (No. 1)

Administered by Department of Communications and the Arts

Legislation au F2005B00312 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence Variation 2001 (No.1)

The AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY issues this Variation under sections 132 and 134 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Dated  20 September  2001

A.J SHAW                                                                                                                Chair

R HORTON                                                                                                             Deputy Chair

Australian Communications Authority

 

1 Name of Variation

  This Variation is the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence Variation 2001 (No.1).

2 Commencement

  This Variation commences on gazettal.

3 Amendment of Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000

  Schedule 1 amends the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000.

 

Schedule 1 Amendments

(section 3)

 

[1] Section 3, boxed note

omit

(see paragraph 4 (1) (b) and Note 3 after section 4 of this Class Licence).

insert

(see paragraph 4 (1) (b) and Note 1 after section 4 of this Class Licence).

[2] Section 3, boxed note

omit

ISM applications (see Note 4 after section 4 of this Class Licence).

insert

ISM applications (see Note 2 after section 4 of this Class Licence).

[3] After section 3

insert

3A Definitions

device compliance day, for a device, means the most recent of the following days:

 (a) if the device was manufactured in Australia — the day it was manufactured; and

 (b) if the device was manufactured overseas and imported — the day it was imported; and

 (c) if the device was altered or modified in a material respect — the day it was altered or modified.

low interference potential device means a radiocommunications device that complies with the conditions set out in this Class Licence.

Note 1   For the definition of other expressions used in this Class Licence, see the Radiocommunications Act 1992, and the Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2000.

[4] Subsection 4 (2), notes 1 and 2

omit

[5] Subsection 4 (2), note 3

renumber as Note 1

[6] Subsection 4 (2), note 4

renumber as Note 2

[7] Section 5, heading

substitute

5 Standards

[8] Paragraph 5 (1) (a)

omit

the date of commencement of the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence Variation 2000 (No.1) 1 (the licence variation);

insert

22 November 2000;

[9] Paragraph 5 (1) (a), footnote

omit

[10] Paragraph 5 (1) (b)

omit

the date of commencement of the licence variation;

insert

22 November 2000;

[11] Subparagraph 5 (1) (c) (ii)

omit

the date of commencement of the licence variation.

insert

22 November 2000.

[12] Subsection 5 (2)

substitute

 (2) In addition, if the device compliance day for a device authorised under this class licence is on or after the date of commencement of the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence Variation 2001 (No.1), the device must comply with any standard applicable to the device on its device compliance day, as in force on that day.

Note 1   Section 5 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 provides that standard means a standard made under section 162 of that Act.

Note 2   The Australian Communications Authority wishes to make it clear that if a standard mentioned in subsection (2) is amended or replaced by another standard after the device compliance day for the device, the device need not comply with the new or amended standard.

[13] Schedule 1

substitute

Schedule 1 Transmitters

(section 4)

 

Item

Class of transmitter

Permitted operating frequency band (MHz)
(lower limit exclusive, upper limit inclusive)

Maximum EIRP

Limitations

1

All transmitters

0.000–0.014

200 µW

 

2

All transmitters

0.014–0.01995

50 µW

 

3

All transmitters

0.02005–0.07

7.5 µW

 

4

All transmitters

0.07–0.16

3 µW

 

5

All transmitters

1. 0.16–0.285

2. 0.325–0.415

500 nW

 

6

All transmitters

3.025–3.155

7.5 nW

 

7

All transmitters

3.5–3.7

30 pW

 

8

All transmitters

1. 3.7–3.95

2. 4.438–4.65

7.5 nW

 

9

All transmitters

13.553–13.567

100 mW

 

10

All transmitters

24–24.89

10 mW

 

11

All transmitters

26.957–27.283

1 W

1. Separation of the operating frequency from the centre frequency of any adjacent citizen band radio channel must be at least 5 kHz.

2. The emission bandwidth must not exceed 10 kHz.

12

All transmitters

1. 29.7–29.72

2. 30–30.0625

3. 30.3125–31

4. 36.6–37

5. 39–39.7625

6. 40.25–40.66

100 mW

 

13

All transmitters

40.66–41

1 W

 

14

All transmitters

54–56

2.5 mW

 

15

All transmitters

1. 70–70.24375

2. 77.29375–77.49375

3. 150.7875–152.49375

4. 173.29375–174

100 mW

 

16

All transmitters

1. 225–242

2. 244–267

3. 273–303.95

4. 304.05–328.6

5. 335.4–399.9

10 µW

 

17

All transmitters

433.05–434.79

25 mW

 

18

All transmitters

915–928

3 mW

 

19

All transmitters

2400–2463

10 mW

 

20

All transmitters

1. 10500–10550

2. 24000–24250

100 mW

 

21

Wireless audio transmitters and auditory assistance transmitters

88–108

10 µW

1. Emission must be frequency modulated and have a maximum bandwidth of 180 kHz.

2. Transmission in a radio channel must not originate in the licence area of a radio broadcasting station (including a repeater or translator station) operating in the same channel.

22

Wireless audio transmitters

1. 174–230

2. 520–820

3 mW

1. The emission must be frequency modulated and have a maximum bandwidth of 330 kHz.

2. Transmission in a TV channel must not originate in the licence area of a TV broadcasting station (including a repeater or translator station) operating in the same channel.

 

 

 

 

3. When in an unused TV channel, but in the licence area of a TV broadcasting station (including a repeater or translator station) operating in an adjacent TV channel, the channel centre frequency of the wireless audio transmitter must be at least 200 kHz above the upper edge of the adjacent TV channel, or 400 kHz below the lower edge of the adjacent TV channel.

23

Biomedical telemetry transmitters

174–230

10 µW

 

24

Biomedical telemetry transmitters

520–668

3 mW

Transmission in a TV channel must not originate in the licence area of an analogue TV broadcasting station (including a repeater or translator station) operating in the same channel.

25

Telecommand or telemetry transmitters

472.0125–472.1125

100 mW

 

26

Telecommand or telemetry transmitters

1. 2400–2450

2. 5725–5795

3. 5815–5875

1 W

 

27

Telecommand or telemetry transmitters

5795–5815

2 W

 

28

Auditory assistance transmitters

3.155–3.4, with a carrier frequency of:

 (a) 3.175 MHz; or

 (b) 3.225 MHz; or

 (c) 3.275 MHz; or

 (d) 3.325 MHz.

60 µW

 

29

Auditory assistance transmitters

1. 41–42, with a carrier frequency of:

 (a) 41.55 MHz; or

 (b) 41.65 MHz; or

 (c) 41.75 MHz; or

 (d) 41.85 MHz; or

 (e) 41.95 MHz.

1.3 mW

 

 

 

2. 43–44, with a carrier frequency of:

 (a) 43.05 MHz; or

 (b) 43.15 MHz; or

 (c) 43.25 MHz; or

 (d) 43.35 MHz; or

 (e) 43.45 MHz.

 

 

30

Radiofrequency identification transmitters

1. 1.77–2.17

2. 2.93–3.58

3. 7.2–10.01

100 pW

 

31

Radiofrequency identification transmitters

1. 13.553–13.567

2. 918–926

3. 2400–2450

4. 5725–5795

5. 5815–5875

6. 24000–24250

1 W

 

32

Radiofrequency identification transmitters

5795–5815

2 W

 

33

Alarm transmitters (including security and personal safety transmitters)

303.60–304.05

100 µW

 

34

Home detention monitoring equipment

314.075–314.325

200 µW

In a 10 second period, a single transmission must not exceed 10 milliseconds.

35

Radiodetermination transmitters

24000–24250

1 W

 

36

Radiodetermination transmitters

60000–61000

20 mW

 

37

Transmitters used for underground communications

1. 31–32

2. 33–34

3. 35–36

4. 37–38

5. 42–43

6. 44–45

7. 70.24375–74.8

8. 75.2–77.29375

9. 77.49375–84.69375

10. 149.25–149.9

11. 150.05–151.39375

12. 152.49375–156

13. 157.45–160.6

14. 160.975–161.475

15. 162.05–173.29375

16. 403–406

17. 406.1–420

18. 450–500.99375

3.5 nW

The maximum EIRP applies at an above-ground opening associated with the underground communications.

 

 

19. 504.99375–510.99375

20. 514.99375–520

 

 

38

Transmitters used for underground communications

1. 0.5265–1.605

2. 87.5–108

10 µW

The maximum EIRP applies at an above-ground opening associated with the underground communications.

39

Aquatic animal tracking transmitters

48–49

10 mW

 

40

Radiodetermination transmitters operated in radiofrequency-shielded enclosures

24050–26050

75 nW

The maximum EIRP applies outside the shielded enclosure.

41

Personal alarm transmitters

27.500–27.510

100 µW

 

42

Transmitters used with personal alarm transmitters operating in the frequency band 27.500–27.510 MHz

27.500–27.510

500 mW

Each transmission must not exceed 4 seconds over a 60 second period.

43

Alarm transmitters

344.8–345.2

1 mW

The average EIRP must not exceed 100 µW:

(a) if the length of a pulse train does not exceed 0.1 second — in the length of one complete pulse train; or

(b) if the length of a pulse train exceeds 0.1 second — in the 0.1 second period during which the EIRP is at its maximum value; or

(c) if a transmitter operates for more than 0.1 second — in the 0.1 second period during which the EIRP is at its maximum value.

44

Radio Local Area Network transmitters used indoors

5150–5350

200 mW
(averaged over the entire transmission burst)

1. If the emission bandwidth is 1 MHz or greater, the radiated power spectral density in any 1 MHz is limited to 10 mW per MHz.

2. If the emission bandwidth is less than 1 MHz, the radiated power spectral density in any 4 kHz is limited to 40 µW per 4 kHz.

45

Radio Local Area Network transmitters

5725–5825

1 W
(averaged over the entire transmission burst)

1. If the emission bandwidth is 1 MHz or greater, the radiated power spectral density in any 1 MHz is limited to 50 mW per MHz.

2. If the emission bandwidth is less than 1 MHz, the radiated power spectral density in any 4 kHz is limited to 200 µW per 4 kHz.

46

Radiodetermination transmitters

5725–5875

1 mW

 

47

Radiodetermination transmitters

76000–77000

25 W

 

 

Overview

The Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence Variation 2001 (No. 1) was issued by the Australian Communications Authority under sections 132 and 134 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. This variation was enacted to address the need for updated regulatory standards for low interference potential devices in the radiocommunications sector. The Radiocommunications Act 1992 was introduced by the Commonwealth Parliament to provide a regulatory framework for radiocommunications, including licensing and standards for emissions and interference. The policy objective of this variation is to ensure that low interference potential devices comply with the most current standards and do not cause undue interference to other radiocommunications services. The variation came into effect upon gazettement and amends the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000, incorporating new definitions and standards to be adhered to by these devices. The Australian Communications Authority aimed to streamline and clarify the regulatory environment for low interference potential devices, ensuring they operate within specified parameters to minimise interference with other radiocommunication services. This variation updates the conditions of the class licence to reflect technological advancements and changes in industry standards, ensuring the continued efficient use of the radio spectrum. The amendments include new definitions, updated standards, and revised operational parameters for various types of transmitters, reflecting the Authority's commitment to maintaining an orderly and effective radiocommunications environment.

Scope and Application

The Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence Variation 2001 (No.1) applies to the operation of low interference potential devices, which are defined as radiocommunications devices that meet the conditions set out in the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000, as amended by this Variation. The Variation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, as it is issued under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, which is a Commonwealth Act. The Variation does not apply to devices that do not comply with the standards and limitations outlined in the Class Licence, as well as any subsequent variations. The application of the Variation can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, such as determinations or regulations, made under the Radiocommunications Act 1992. However, this particular Variation does not extend or restrict the application of the Class Licence beyond its stated terms and conditions. This Variation specifies various standards and limitations for different types of transmitters, including maximum effective isotropically radiated power (EIRP), emission bandwidth, and operating frequency bands. It also includes definitions for terms such as "device compliance day" and "low interference potential device." The Variation aims to ensure that the operation of low interference potential devices does not cause harmful interference to other radiocommunication services. The Variation is applicable to all persons, entities, or industries that operate low interference potential devices within the scope of the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000. The Variation does not contain any explicit exclusions or exemptions, but its application is subject to the conditions and limitations set out in the Class Licence and the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Key Provisions

The Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence Variation 2001 (No.1) amends the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000, which provides a class licence for the use of low interference potential (LIP) devices. The Variation is effective from the date of its gazette and introduces new definitions and conditions for the use of LIP devices, particularly regarding compliance with standards and frequency bands. The definition of "device compliance day" is introduced to determine when a device must comply with certain standards, based on its manufacturing or importation date or any material alterations. The Variation imposes obligations on parties using LIP devices to ensure compliance with specified standards on their "device compliance day," which is defined as the latest date of manufacture, importation, or material modification. It also specifies permissible operating frequencies, maximum effective isotropically radiated power (EIRP), and other limitations for various types of transmitters, including wireless audio transmitters, biomedical telemetry transmitters, telecommand or telemetry transmitters, and others. For instance, wireless audio transmitters must operate with frequency modulation and a maximum bandwidth of 330 kHz and must not originate in the licence area of a TV broadcasting station operating in the same channel. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Variation can lead to significant consequences. While the specific penalties for breach are not detailed in the Variation itself, under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, breaches of class licence conditions can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines up to a specified amount, while criminal penalties may include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. It is essential for parties to adhere to the conditions set out in the Variation to avoid these potential consequences.

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