Radiocommunications (Radionavigation-Satellite Service) Class Licence 2015
Radiocommunications Act 1992
The AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA AUTHORITY makes this class licence under subsection 132(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
Dated: 18 September 2015
Chris Chapman
[signed]
Member
Brendan Byrne
[signed]
Member / General Manager
1 Name of class licence
This class licence is the Radiocommunications (Radionavigation-Satellite Service) Class Licence 2015.
2 Commencement
This class licence commences on the last to occur of:
(a) the day after it is registered; or
(b) the day on which it is published in the Gazette; or
(c) the day that the Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 2015 commences.
Note 1 All legislative instruments must be registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments required to be maintained under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Note 2 Each of (a), (b) and (c) must occur for this class licence to commence.
3 Interpretation
(1) In this class licence:
Act means the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS) has the meaning given by subsection 3(1) of the spectrum plan.
RNSS radiocommunication means a radiocommunication that is transmitted at a frequency allocated to RNSS under the spectrum plan.
RNSS receiver means a radiocommunications receiver used for receiving RNSS radiocommunications.
standard means a standard made under section 162 of the Act.
Note: For definitions of other expressions used in this class licence, see the Act and the Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2015.
(2) In this class licence, the range of numbers that identifies a frequency band is taken to include the higher, but not the lower, number.
Example The 1164 to 1215 MHz frequency band is made up of radio frequencies that exceed 1164 MHz but do not exceed 1215 MHz.
4 Class Licence
(1) This class licence authorises a person to operate a RNSS receiver for the purpose of reception of RNSS radiocommunications, subject to the conditions set out in sections 5 and 6.
(2) This class licence applies to all RNSS receivers except:
(a) RNSS receivers located on a space object; and
(b) RNSS receivers authorised by an apparatus licence to operate for a purpose that is substantially the same as the purpose authorised by this class licence.
Note: A radiocommunications device to which this class licence applies will not be afforded protection from the interference caused by other radiocommunications services.
5 Standards
A person must not operate a RNSS receiver under this class licence unless the RNSS receiver complies with any standard applicable to the RNSS receiver as in force:
(a) if the RNSS receiver was manufactured in Australia – on the day it was manufactured;
(b) if the RNSS receiver was manufactured overseas and imported – on the day it was imported;
(c) if the RNSS receiver was altered or modified in a material respect – on the day it was altered or modified.
6 Authorised frequencies
This class licence authorises reception of RNSS radiocommunications by RNSS receivers operating in the following frequency ranges only:
(a) 1164 to 1215 MHz;
(b) 1215 to 1240 MHz;
(c) 1240 to 1300 MHz;
(d) 1559 to 1610 MHz.
Overview
The Radiocommunications (Radionavigation-Satellite Service) Class Licence 2015 was enacted under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 by the Australian Communications and Media Authority to streamline and regulate the operation of Radionavigation-Satellite Service (RNSS) receivers in Australia. This legislation aims to ensure that RNSS receivers comply with the necessary standards and are used within specified frequency ranges, thereby preventing interference with other radiocommunications services. The class licence authorises the operation of RNSS receivers for the reception of RNSS radiocommunications, subject to conditions such as compliance with relevant standards and restrictions on the operation of receivers located on space objects or those authorised by an apparatus licence for similar purposes. The policy objective is to maintain efficient and effective use of the radio spectrum while ensuring that RNSS receivers are used in a manner that does not cause undue interference.
Scope and Application
The Radiocommunications (Radionavigation-Satellite Service) Class Licence 2015, issued under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, provides a legal framework for the operation of Radionavigation-Satellite Service (RNSS) receivers within Australia. This licence applies to any person operating an RNSS receiver for the reception of RNSS radiocommunications, subject to the conditions outlined in the licence, which include compliance with specific technical standards and authorised frequency ranges. Notably, this class licence excludes RNSS receivers located on a space object and those already authorised by an apparatus licence for a purpose similar to that of this class licence. The licence's scope is confined to Australia and does not extend to international waters or space objects, ensuring its jurisdictional reach remains within national boundaries. Additionally, the operation of RNSS receivers under this class licence must adhere to applicable standards at the time of manufacture, importation, or material alteration or modification, reinforcing the importance of technical compliance within the Australian regulatory environment.
Key Provisions
The Radiocommunications (Radionavigation-Satellite Service) Class Licence 2015, made under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, provides a framework for the operation of Radionavigation-Satellite Service (RNSS) receivers in Australia. Section 4(1) of the class licence authorises individuals to operate an RNSS receiver for the reception of RNSS radiocommunications, subject to the conditions outlined in sections 5 and 6. It is essential to note that this class licence does not cover RNSS receivers located on space objects or those authorised by an apparatus licence for a similar purpose (section 4(2)).
Under this class licence, a person must ensure that their RNSS receiver complies with applicable standards at the time of manufacture, importation, or material alteration or modification. Section 5 mandates adherence to standards based on the origin and modifications of the device. This compliance requirement ensures that all RNSS receivers function correctly and do not interfere with other radiocommunication services.
The class licence specifies the authorised frequencies for the operation of RNSS receivers. Section 6 lists the permissible frequency ranges: 1164 to 1215 MHz, 1215 to 1240 MHz, 1240 to 1300 MHz, and 1559 to 1610 MHz. Operating an RNSS receiver outside these frequency ranges would be in breach of the licence terms.
The Act imposes specific obligations on licensees, including compliance with standards as outlined in section 5. Failure to comply with these standards can lead to legal consequences. The legislation does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance in the provided text. However, it is reasonable to infer that breaches of the Act or its conditions could result in legal action, including fines or other penalties as prescribed by the Radiocommunications Act 1992. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any relevant regulatory frameworks and subsequent amendments to the Act.