VHF High Band Frequency Band Plan (148 to 174 MHz) (Variation) 1998

Administered by Department of Communications and the Arts

Legislation au F2005B01102 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Commonwealth of Australia

Radiocommunications Act 1992

VHF High Band Frequency Band Plan (148 to 174 MHz) (Variation) 1998

THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY makes this Instrument of Variation under subsection 34 (1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Dated      12 June 1998.

 

 

 

A.J SHAW

Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

R HORTON

Deputy Chairman

 

 

 

Australian Communications Authority

__________________

 

1. Commencement

1.1   This Instrument of Variation commences on 1 July 1998.

2.1   Variation

 2.1   The VHF High Band Frequency Band Plan (148 to 174 MHz) is varied as set out in this Instrument of Variation.

3. Clause 2 (General)

3.1   General notes 4–9:

Omit the notes.

4. Clause 3 (Interpretation)

4.1   Subclause 3 (2), definition of authorised:

Omit “SMA”, substitute “ACA”.

4.2   Subclause 3 (2), definition of conversion date:

Omit the definition.

5. Clause 4 (Conversion Dates)

5.1   Omit the clause.

6. Clause 5 (Table 1—Conversion dates in high spectrum demand areas of States)

6.1   Omit the clause.

7. Clause 9 (Exemption from compliance with clauses 6 and 7)

7.1   Omit the clause, substitute:

Exemption from compliance with clause 6 or 7—existing services

 9. (1) An existing service may use frequencies in the VHF High Band, on a secondary basis, to provide a service that does not comply with either clause 6 or 7.

 (2) For subclause (1), an existing service is a service for the operation of which a licence:

 (a) was, or is taken to have been, in force on 30 June 1998; and

 (b) has continued, or is taken to have continued, in force after that date.

 (3) For this clause:

 (a) a licence is taken to have been in force on 30 June 1998 if the operation of the service became unlicensed between 2 May 1998 and 30 June 1998 and was unlicensed for not more than 60 consecutive days; and

 (b) a licence is taken to have continued in force after 30 June 1998 if the operation of the service has been unlicensed for not more than 60 consecutive days.”.

8. Clause 9A (Authorisation to use a service beyond conversion date)

8.1    Omit the clause, substitute:

Exemption from compliance with clause 7—new services

 9A. (1) A new service may use frequencies in the VHF High Band, on a secondary basis, in a non-HSD area, to provide a service that does not comply with clause 7.

 (2) For subclause (1), a new service is a service for which a licence was not in force, or taken to have been in force for clause 9, on 30 June 1998.”.

9. Clause 10 (Table 2—Service allocations)

9.1   Note 5:

Omit “Telecommunications”, substitute “Telecommunication”.

9.2   Note 6:

Omit “SMA”, substitute “ACA”.

10. Clause 11 (Table 3—Channelling arrangements)

10.1   Note 6:

Omit “Telecommunications”, substitute “Telecommunication”.

 

 

Overview

The VHF High Band Frequency Band Plan (148 to 174 MHz) (Variation) 1998 is a legislative instrument made under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 by the Australian Communications Authority, which was established to regulate and facilitate the radiocommunications industry in Australia. This instrument was introduced to make necessary variations to the existing VHF High Band Frequency Band Plan, ensuring the effective allocation and use of radio frequencies within the specified band. The primary objective of this variation is to streamline and modernise the regulatory framework governing radiocommunications, ensuring it remains relevant and efficient in a rapidly evolving technological environment. This legislative instrument aims to provide clarity and flexibility to service providers while maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the radio spectrum management. The VHF High Band Frequency Band Plan (148 to 174 MHz) (Variation) 1998 outlines specific changes to the frequency band plan, including the removal of certain notes, the substitution of definitions, and adjustments to service allocation and exemption clauses. These changes are designed to address any gaps or issues identified in the original plan, facilitating better compliance and operation within the specified frequency band. By updating the regulatory framework, this instrument ensures that the radiocommunications industry can operate smoothly and efficiently, supporting the broader goals of technological advancement and service provision in Australia.

Scope and Application

The VHF High Band Frequency Band Plan (148 to 174 MHz) (Variation) 1998, made under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, applies to the variation of the frequency band plan for radiocommunications in Australia, specifically targeting entities and services operating within the specified frequency range. This legislative instrument is applicable nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia and modifies the frequency allocations and conditions for use in the designated VHF High Band. Notably, it introduces changes to the interpretation of certain terms and provides exemptions for existing services that were operational prior to the enactment date, allowing them to continue operating under certain conditions despite non-compliance with specific clauses. The instrument also extends exemptions to new services in non-high spectrum demand areas. The variations in the Act aim to refine the management and allocation of radio frequencies, ensuring they are efficiently used while accommodating existing and new services under specified conditions.

Key Provisions

This instrument of variation to the VHF High Band Frequency Band Plan (148 to 174 MHz) introduces several changes to the existing Radiocommunications Act 1992. The key operative sections include the removal of certain notes (sections 3.1 and 9.1) and the substitution of definitions within the interpretation clause (sections 4.1 and 4.2). Furthermore, sections 5.1, 6.1, and 8.1 involve the omission of clauses and their replacement with new provisions regarding exemptions from compliance for existing and new services (sections 7.1 and 9A). The changes are designed to streamline and update the frequency band plan while maintaining regulatory oversight. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties and entities it governs. For instance, existing services must comply with the new frequency allocations unless exempted under the new provisions (section 9). Additionally, new services must adhere to the updated channelling arrangements and service allocations (sections 10 and 11). The Authority is also tasked with ensuring that these changes are implemented effectively and that all services continue to operate within the specified parameters. The entities operating under the Act must maintain their licences and ensure that their operations do not contravene the new regulations. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act may result in civil or criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the legislative instrument, the Act generally allows for fines and other enforcement actions for breaches. For instance, unauthorised use of frequencies could lead to significant fines, and repeated or severe breaches might result in more stringent penalties, including potential criminal charges. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any relevant case law and regulatory guidelines.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Telecommunications Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Commencement Provisions
Exemptions & Exclusions
Regulatory Standards

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

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.