Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2015
Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005
The AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA AUTHORITY makes this Determination under subsection 64(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005.
Dated 18th February 2015
Chris Chapman
[signed]
Member
Richard Bean
[signed]
Member / General Manager
Australian Communications and Media Authority
1 Name of Determination
This Determination is the Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2015.
2 Commencement
This Determination commences on the day after it is registered.
Note: All legislative instruments and compilations are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments kept under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. See http://www.frli.gov.au.
2A Revocation of previous Determination
The Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2000 (Federal Register of Legislative Instruments No. F2005B00347) is revoked.
3 Definitions—the dictionary etc
(1) The dictionary in Schedule 1 defines certain expressions.
(2) Unless the contrary intention appears, the definition of an expression in the dictionary applies to each use of that expression in this Determination and in:
(a) a determination made under any of the following provisions:
(i) subsection 60(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005;
(ii) section 5, paragraph 7(1)(a) or (b), section 10A, paragraph 16(1)(ca), subsection 98(1), paragraph 107(1)(f), paragraph 108A(1)(e), section 115, section 119, section 131AC, paragraph 144(1)(c), (d) or (e), paragraph 147(1)(c), (d) or (e), or subsection 300(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992;
(iii) subsection 7(1) of the Radiocommunications (Receiver Licence Tax) Act 1983;
(iv) subsection 7(1) of the Radiocommunications (Spectrum Licence Tax) Act 1997;
(v) subsection 7(1) of the Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Act 1983; or
(b) a spectrum plan prepared under subsection 30(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992; or
(c) a frequency band plan prepared under subsection 32(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992; or
(d) a spectrum plan or frequency band plan variation made under subsection 34(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992; or
(e) a class licence issued under subsection 132(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992; or
(f) a class licence variation made under section 134 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992; or
(g) a standard made under subsection 162(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992; or
(h) a notice made under subsection 182(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
Note: Definitions of the following expressions are included in section 5 of the Act: ACMA; aircraft; datacasting service; device; frequency band; frequency band plan; radiocommunication; radiocommunications device; radiocommunications receiver; radiocommunications transmitter; radio emission; reception; space object; spectrum plan; transmitter; transmitter licence.
4 Definition—instruments made under the Radiocommunications Act 1992
Unless the contrary intention appears, in this Determination and in all other determinations made under section 5, paragraph 7(1)(a) or (b), section 10A, paragraph 16(1)(ca), subsection 98(1), paragraph 107(1)(f), paragraph 108A(1)(e), section 115, section 119, section 131AC, paragraph 144(1)(c), (d) or (e), paragraph 147(1)(c), (d) or (e), or subsection 300(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, and in all spectrum plans prepared under subsection 30(1) or varied under subsection 34(1) of that Act, and in all frequency band plans prepared under subsection 32(1) or varied under subsection 34(1) of that Act, and in all class licences issued under subsection 132(1) or varied under section 134 of that Act, and in all standards made under subsection 162(1) of that Act, and in all notices made under subsection 182(1) of that Act:
Act means the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
5 Interpretation—references to interpretation determination
Unless the contrary intention appears, in all determinations made under subsection 60(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005, and in all determinations made under section 5, paragraph 7(1)(a) or (b), section 10A, paragraph 16(1)(ca), subsection 98(1), paragraph 107(1)(f), paragraph 108A(1)(e), section 115, section 119, section 131AC, paragraph 144(1)(c), (d) or (e), paragraph 147(1)(c), (d) or (e), or subsection 300(1) of the Act, and in determinations made under subsection 7(1) of the Radiocommunications (Receiver Licence Tax) Act 1983, subsection 7(1) of the Radiocommunications (Spectrum Licence Tax) Act 1997 and subsection 7(1) of the Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Act 1983, and in all class licences issued under subsection 132(1) or varied under section 134 of the Act, and in all standards made under subsection 162(1) of the Act, and in all notices made under subsection 182(1) of the Act:
a reference to the Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2000 is taken to be a reference to this Determination.
6 Interpretation—frequency bands and ranges
For the purposes of this Determination, a frequency band or a frequency range described in the dictionary in Schedule 1 using 2 frequencies starts immediately above the lower frequency and ends at the higher frequency.
7 Interpretation—references to spectrum plans
Unless the contrary intention appears, in this Determination and in all other determinations made under section 5, paragraph 7(1)(a) or (b), section 10A, paragraph 16(1)(ca), subsection 98(1), paragraph 107(1)(f), paragraph 108A(1)(e), section 115, section 131AC, paragraph 144(1)(c), (d) or (e), paragraph 147(1)(c), (d) or (e), or subsection 300(1) of the Act, and in all class licences issued under subsection 132(1) or varied under section 134 of the Act, and in all standards made under subsection 162(1) of the Act, and in all notices made under subsection 182(1) of the Act:
a reference to a spectrum plan, however described, is a reference to the spectrum plan as in force from time to time under the Act.
Schedule 1—Dictionary
(sections 3 and 6)
27 MHz maritime frequencies means any of the following frequencies:
(a) 27,680 kHz;
(b) 27,720 kHz;
(c) 27,820 kHz;
(d) 27,860 kHz;
(e) 27,880 kHz;
(f) 27,900 kHz;
(g) 27,910 kHz;
(h) 27,940 kHz;
(i) 27,960 kHz;
(j) 27,980 kHz.
900 MHz studio to transmitter link station means a point to point station that:
(a) is operated only within a frequency range greater than 820 MHz and less than or equal to 960 MHz; and
(b) transmits sound broadcasting program material from a broadcasting studio to a broadcasting transmitter.
aeronautical assigned station means a station that:
(a) is operated under an aeronautical licence; and
(b) is operated on aeronautical frequencies specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station.
aeronautical frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of aeronautical mobile services.
aeronautical licence means a licence issued for a station that:
(a) is not fixed to an aircraft; and
(b) is operated on aeronautical frequencies; and
(c) is operated for purposes relating to:
(i) the operation of an aircraft; or
(ii) airport or aerodrome operations; and
(d) in relation to an aircraft—includes a mobile station operated:
(i) on board the aircraft; or
(ii) on the ground in communication with the aircraft.
aeronautical mobile‑satellite frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of aeronautical mobile‑satellite services.
aeronautical mobile‑satellite service means a mobile‑satellite service in which:
(a) mobile earth stations are located on board aircraft; and
(b) survival craft stations and emergency position indicating radio beacon stations may participate.
aeronautical mobile service means a radiocommunications service that is used principally for the purpose of the transmission of messages to and from aircraft.
aeronautical station means a station operating in the aeronautical mobile service:
(a) other than an aircraft station or an earth station; and
(b) whether or not the station is located on an aircraft.
aids to navigation station (AtoN station) means a station, other than a mobile station, that operates on a frequency allocated for Automatic Identification System (AIS) and is designed and operated to enhance the safe and efficient navigation of vessels.
aircraft assigned station means a station that:
(a) is operated under an aircraft licence; and
(b) is operated on aeronautical frequencies specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station.
aircraft licence means a licence issued for a station that:
(a) is fixed on board an aircraft; and
(b) is operated on aeronautical frequencies; and
(c) may be operated on aeronautical mobile‑satellite frequencies or radiodetermination frequencies.
aircraft station means a station that:
(a) is fixed on board an aircraft; and
(b) is operated on aeronautical frequencies; and
(c) may be operated on aeronautical mobile‑satellite frequencies or radiodetermination frequencies.
AIS‑SART (Automatic Identification System – Search and Rescue Transmitter) means an Automatic Identification System (AIS) that is:
(a) used for search and rescue purposes; and
(b) if published—complies with International Standard IEC 61097‑14, Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) – Part 14: AIS search and rescue transmitter (AIS‑SART) – Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results, as published by the International Electrotechnical Commission and as existing from time to time.
AM means amplitude modulation employing double sideband transmission without the carrier or the lower or upper sideband being suppressed.
amateur advanced station means an amateur station where the holder of the transmitter licence that relates to the station is a person:
(a) to whom:
(i) a certificate of proficiency has been granted in relation to the Advanced Amateur Operator’s Examination, which is a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or
(ii) a certificate of proficiency has been granted in relation to the Unrestricted Amateur Operator’s Examination, which is a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or
(iii) a certificate of proficiency has been granted in relation to the Limited Amateur Operator’s Examination, which is a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or
(b) who holds an equivalent overseas qualification for the purposes of the Radiocommunications (Qualified Operators) Determination 2005.
amateur beacon station means a station in the amateur service that is used principally for the purpose of identifying propagation conditions.
amateur foundation station means an amateur station where the holder of the transmitter licence that relates to the station is a person:
(a) to whom a certificate of proficiency has been granted in relation to the Foundation Amateur Operator’s Examination, which is a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or
(b) who holds an equivalent overseas qualification for the purposes of the Radiocommunications (Qualified Operators) Determination 2005.
amateur frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of amateur services.
amateur licence means a licence issued for a station that:
(a) is operated for the purposes of self‑training in radiocommunications, intercommunication using radiocommunications, and technical investigation into radiocommunications, by persons:
(i) who do so solely with a personal aim; and
(ii) who have no pecuniary interest in the outcome of the operation of the station; and
(b) is operated on amateur frequencies or amateur frequency bands; and
(c) may participate in the amateur‑satellite service.
amateur repeater station means a station established at a fixed location:
(a) for the reception of radio signals from amateur stations; and
(b) for the automatic retransmission of those signals by radio.
amateur‑satellite service means a radiocommunications service using space stations on Earth satellites for an amateur service.
amateur service means a radiocommunications service for self‑training in radiocommunications, intercommunication using radiocommunications, and technical investigation into radiocommunications, by persons:
(a) who are licensed under the Act to do so; and
(b) who do so solely with a personal aim; and
(c) who have no pecuniary interest in the outcome of the operation of the service.
amateur standard station means an amateur station where the holder of the transmitter licence that relates to the station is a person:
(a) to whom:
(i) a certificate of proficiency has been granted in relation to the Standard Amateur Operator’s Examination, which is a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or
(ii) a certificate of proficiency has been granted in relation to the Novice Amateur Operator’s Examination, which is a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or
(iii) a certificate of proficiency has been granted in relation to the Novice Limited Amateur Operator’s Examination, which is a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or
(b) who holds an equivalent overseas qualification for the purposes of the Radiocommunications (Qualified Operators) Determination 2005.
amateur station means a station that:
(a) is operated for the purposes of self‑training in radiocommunications, intercommunication using radiocommunications, and technical investigation into radiocommunications, by persons:
(i) who do so solely with a personal aim; and
(ii) who have no pecuniary interest in the outcome of the operation of the station; and
(b) is operated on amateur frequencies or amateur frequency bands; and
(c) may participate in the amateur‑satellite service.
ambulatory station means a land mobile station that:
(a) is operated principally for communications with other land mobile stations; and
(b) if permitted by the transmitter licence that relates to the land mobile station—may communicate with:
(i) an aircraft station, but not on an aeronautical frequency; or
(ii) a maritime ship station, but not on a maritime frequency.
ambulatory system means a system comprising 1 or more land mobile stations that:
(a) are operated under a land mobile licence; and
(b) are operated principally for communications with other land mobile stations; and
(c) if permitted by the land mobile licence—may communicate with:
(i) an aircraft station, but not on an aeronautical frequency; or
(ii) a maritime ship station, but not on a maritime frequency.
ambulatory system station means an ambulatory station that is operated within an ambulatory system.
assigned basis, in relation to a licence, means circumstances in which 1 or more frequencies specified in the licence have been specifically selected for use under that licence.
Automatic Identification System (AIS) means a station that operates on either of the following frequencies:
(a) 161.975 MHz;
(b) 162.025 MHz.
broadcast service station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and
(b) is operated for the purposes of providing:
(i) commercial broadcasting services, within the meaning of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; or
(ii) national broadcasting services, within the meaning of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; or
(iii) community broadcasting services, within the meaning of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, provided under a community broadcasting licence allocated under Part 6 of that Act; or
(iv) community broadcasting services, within the meaning of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, provided under a temporary community broadcasting licence allocated under Part 6A of that Act; and
(c) is operated only in the broadcasting services bands.
broadcasting licence means a licence issued for a radiocommunications service comprising 1 or more stations that:
(a) are operated for the purposes of delivering, by means other than by satellite, television programs or radio programs to persons having equipment appropriate for receiving the service, if the service is not:
(i) a service (including a teletext service) that provides no more than data, or no more than text and, in either case, is provided with or without associated images; or
(ii) a service that makes a program available on demand on a point to point basis, including a dial‑up service; or
(iii) a service that the Minister determines by notice in the Gazette not to be a broadcasting service within the meaning of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; and
(b) may be operated for engineering tests if each station is intended to be used for the purpose of transmitting a service to which paragraph (a) applies.
broadcasting services bands has the meaning it has in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
carriage service means a service for carrying communications by means of:
(a) guided electromagnetic energy; or
(b) unguided electromagnetic energy; or
(c) guided and unguided electromagnetic energy.
carriage service provider has the meaning it has in the Telecommunications Act 1997.
carrier has the meaning it has in the Telecommunications Act 1997.
carrier licence has the meaning it has in the Telecommunications Act 1997.
CB repeater station has the meaning it has in the Radiocommunications (Citizen Band Radio Stations) Class Licence 2002.
CB station has the meaning it has in the Radiocommunications (Citizen Band Radio Stations) Class Licence 2002.
cellular mobile telephone service means a radiocommunications service consisting of:
(a) 1 or more handsets; and
(b) 2 or more base stations forming part of a public mobile telephone service where the area serviced by each base station (cell) is restricted; and
(c) 1 or more stations (mobile switching centres) that are able to communicate by means of radiocommunications with, or are connected by a line to, 2 or more base stations and a public telephone network:
being a service where:
(d) the operator of a handset may communicate with another user of the public telephone network by means of radio signals between the handset and a base station; and
(e) as the operator of the handset moves from the cell of 1 base station into the cell of an adjoining base station, a mobile switching centre redirects the signals from the handset so that the signals that would otherwise have been channelled through the first‑mentioned base station are channelled through the adjoining base station.
communal site means a place used by transmitters operating within 200 metres of each other, for which more than 2 fixed transmitter frequencies are assigned within 1 of the following frequency bands:
(a) 30 MHz to 300 MHz band;
(b) 300 MHz to 3000 MHz band;
(c) 3 GHz to 30 GHz band;
(d) 30 GHz to 300 GHz band.
Note: In practice most sites within metropolitan areas are communal sites.
communication includes communication:
(a) between:
(i) persons; or
(ii) things; or
(iii) persons and things; and
(b) in any form, or combination of forms, including the following:
(i) speech, music or other sounds;
(ii) data;
(iii) text;
(iv) visual images, whether or not animated;
(v) signals.
connected has the meaning it has in the Telecommunications Act 1997.
connection has the meaning given to connected in section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.
cordless telephone service means a radiocommunications service that:
(a) consists of 1 or more land stations, each of which:
(i) does not form part of a cellular mobile telephone service; and
(ii) is able to communicate by means of radiocommunications with, or is connected indirectly or directly to, a telecommunications network operated by a carrier or a carriage service provider; and
(b) may consist of 1 or more handsets, each of which:
(i) is not connected by a line to a land station; and
(ii) enables communication with other users of the public telecommunications network through transmission of radio signals between the handset and the land station.
COSPAS‑SARSAT System means a satellite aided search and rescue system designed to locate activated radiocommunications devices that transmit on the following frequency or frequency range:
(a) 243 MHz;
(b) 406–406.1 MHz.
datacasting licence means a licence issued for a radiocommunications service comprising 1 or more stations that are operated for the purpose of delivering a datacasting service by means other than satellite.
datacasting service station means a station operated for the purpose of providing a datacasting service in the broadcasting services bands only.
defence licence means an apparatus licence that authorises the operation of 1 or more defence stations.
defence receive licence means an apparatus licence that authorises the operation of 1 or more defence receive stations.
defence receive station means a defence station that is not capable of transmitting messages of any kind.
defence station means a station that is operated principally for the purposes of defence, and:
(a) is operated within a frequency band mentioned in a cell, in column 2 of the Table of Frequency Allocations in Part 2 of the spectrum plan, in which the Australian footnote reference AUS100, AUS101 or AUS102 appears; or
(b) is operated within a frequency band mentioned in Part 3 of the spectrum plan opposite the Australian footnote reference AUS9; or
(c) is operated:
(i) within a frequency band mentioned in a cell, in column 2 of the Table of Frequency Allocations in Part 2 of the spectrum plan, in which the Australian footnote reference AUS100A, AUS101A or AUS102A appears; and
(ii) for the service to which that footnote reference applies; or
(d) is operated:
(i) within a frequency band mentioned in Part 3 of the spectrum plan opposite the Australian footnote reference AUS64; and
(ii) in the way mentioned in Australian footnote reference AUS64, that is:
(A) using spread spectrum modulation; and
(B) without causing harmful interference to stations of other services operating in accordance with the spectrum plan or the Radio Regulations.
earth licence means an apparatus licence that authorises the operation of an earth station.
earth receive licence means an apparatus licence that authorises the operation of an earth receive station.
earth receive station means a radiocommunications receiver that:
(a) is not located on a space object; and
(b) is used to receive radio emissions from:
(i) a space object; or
(ii) an earth station by way of a space object.
earth station means a radiocommunications transmitter that:
(a) is not located on a space object; and
(b) is used to transmit radio emissions to:
(i) a space object; or
(ii) an earth receive station by way of a space object.
EIRP, in relation to a radiocommunications device, means the Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power of the device.
emergency location beacon means a mobile station the emissions of which are intended to facilitate search and rescue operations.
emergency position indicating radio beacon station, and EPIRB, have the same meaning as the definition of emergency position‑indicating radiobeacon station in the spectrum plan.
emergency signal means:
(a) a request for assistance; or
(b) a signal of distress; or
(c) a message that is related to a request for assistance or a signal of distress.
exterior paging means one‑way communication to a paging receiver, other than one‑way communication within premises or a restricted area.
fixed earth station means an earth station that is operating in the fixed‑satellite service.
fixed licence means a licence issued for 1 or more stations that:
(a) are located principally:
(i) at fixed points specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station; or
(ii) in an area specified in the licence; and
(b) are operated principally for communications with stations located:
(i) at 1 or more other fixed points specified in the transmitter licence; or
(ii) in an area specified in the licence; and
(c) if permitted by the transmitter licence that relates to the station, may communicate with:
(i) an aircraft station, but not on an aeronautical frequency; and
(ii) a maritime ship station, but not on a maritime frequency; and
(iii) a land mobile station, but not on a land mobile frequency.
fixed outpost station means an outpost station at a fixed point.
fixed receive licence means a licence issued for 1 or more fixed stations:
(a) that are used only for receiving messages; and
(b) that are not capable of transmitting messages of any kind; and
(c) for which the ACMA, or a person accredited under section 263 of the Act, undertakes coordination procedures for the purpose of minimising interference to reception.
fixed receive station means a fixed station:
(a) that is used only for receiving messages; and
(b) that is not capable of transmitting messages of any kind; and
(c) for which the ACMA, or a person accredited under section 263 of the Act, undertakes coordination procedures for the purpose of minimising interference to reception.
fixed‑satellite service has the meaning it has in the spectrum plan.
fixed station means a station that:
(a) is located principally:
(i) at fixed points specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station; or
(ii) in an area specified in the transmitter licence; and
(b) is operated principally for communications with stations located:
(i) at 1 or more other fixed points specified in the transmitter licence; or
(ii) in an area specified in the transmitter licence; and
(c) if permitted by the transmitter licence that relates to the fixed station—may communicate with:
(i) an aircraft station; and
(ii) a maritime ship station; and
(iii) a land mobile station.
FM means frequency modulation.
geostationary satellite means a geosynchronous satellite whose circular and direct orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator and which thus remains fixed relative to the Earth; by extension, a geosynchronous satellite which remains approximately fixed relative to the Earth.
GMDSS means Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
harmful interference has the meaning it has in the spectrum plan.
HF Domestic Service station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and
(b) provides a broadcasting service targeted to audiences in Australia; and
(c) operates in the frequency range 2.3 MHz–26.1 MHz.
Note: Under the Act, Australia includes the external Territories.
HF Overseas Service station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and
(b) provides a broadcasting service targeted to audiences outside Australia; and
(c) operates in the frequency range 5.9 MHz–26.1 MHz.
Note: Under the Act, Australia includes the external Territories.
HF Overseas (IBL) Service station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and
(b) provides an international broadcasting service within the meaning of section 18A of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; and
(c) operates in the frequency range 5.9 MHz–26.1 MHz.
Note: Under the Act, Australia includes the external Territories.
high frequency, and HF, mean a frequency that exceeds 3 MHz but does not exceed 30 MHz.
intercommunication means two‑way communication between stations in the amateur service in Australia and:
(a) other stations in the amateur service in Australia; or
(b) amateur stations overseas;
but does not include communication with stations of other radiocommunications services.
interior paging means communication with a paging receiver or a mobile station, within premises or a restricted area.
land mobile frequency means a frequency specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of land mobile services.
land mobile licence means a licence issued for a radiocommunications service that:
(a) comprises 1 or more land stations or land mobile stations; and
(b) is used for communications between:
(i) land stations and land mobile stations; or
(ii) land mobile stations; or
(iii) land mobile stations through another land station; or
(iv) land stations through another land station; and
(c) may communicate with:
(i) an aircraft station, but not on an aeronautical frequency; or
(ii) a maritime ship station, but not on a maritime frequency.
land mobile service means a radiocommunications service that:
(a) comprises 1 or more land stations or land mobile stations; and
(b) is used for communications between:
(i) land stations and land mobile stations; or
(ii) land mobile stations; or
(iii) land mobile stations through another land station; or
(iv) land stations through another land station; and
(c) may communicate with:
(i) an aircraft station; or
(ii) a maritime ship station.
land mobile station means a station that is established for use:
(a) while the station is in motion on land; or
(b) during halts at unspecified points on land.
land mobile system means a system comprising 1 or more land stations, and 1 or more land mobile stations, that:
(a) are operated under a land mobile licence; and
(b) are established for the principal purpose of two-way communications.
land mobile system station means a land station, or a land mobile station, that is operated as part of a land mobile system.
land station means a station that is established at a fixed point on land.
licence conditions determination, in relation to a licence, means licence conditions as determined by the ACMA under paragraph 107(1)(f) of the Act.
limited coast assigned system means a system, comprising a maritime coast station and 1 or more maritime ship stations, that:
(a) is operated under a maritime coast licence (whether or not the licence authorises operation of an AIS station, and, if so, whether or not the system includes 1 or more AIS aids to navigation stations); and
(b) is operated on maritime frequencies specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station; and
(c) is operated principally for communication between the maritime coast station and the maritime ship station or stations.
limited coast assigned system station means a station that is operated as part of a limited coast assigned system.
limited coast marine rescue station means a maritime coast station that:
(a) is operated by a body that is prepared to provide a maritime emergency radiocommunications service to vessels at sea without discrimination; and
(b) is used primarily for ship‑to‑shore and shore‑to‑ship communications; and
(c) is used to provide a listening watch, and to transmit, on frequencies specified in:
(i) a licence conditions determination; or
(ii) the licence issued for the maritime coast station.
limited coast non assigned station means a maritime coast station that:
(a) is operated under a maritime coast licence; and
(b) is operated:
(i) on maritime frequencies on a non assigned basis; or
(ii) on frequencies specified for the operation of limited coast non assigned stations in a licence conditions determination; and
(c) is not used to transmit, or receive, public correspondence.
low duty cycle speech, in relation to a station, means that the station transmits for less than 30 minutes a day on not more than 26 days in any period of 12 months.
lower sideband, and LSB, mean an SSB radio emission of which the sideband above the carrier is suppressed.
major coast A station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a maritime coast licence; and
(b) is operated on maritime frequencies specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station; and
(c) is operated on land principally for transmitting messages to, and receiving messages from, a maritime ship station; and
(d) may be used to transmit public correspondence to, or receive public correspondence from, a maritime ship station.
major coast B station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a maritime coast licence; and
(b) is operated on maritime frequencies specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station; and
(c) is operated on land principally for transmitting messages to, and receiving messages from, a maritime ship station; and
(d) may be used to transmit public correspondence to, or receive public correspondence from, any of the following:
(i) a station on an aircraft that is not an aircraft station;
(ii) a land mobile station;
(iii) a remotely located land station;
(iv) a maritime ship station.
major coast receive licence means a licence issued for 1 or more stations:
(a) that are used on land principally for receiving messages transmitted by maritime ship stations; and
(b) that are not capable of transmitting messages of any kind; and
(c) that may be used for receiving messages transmitted by:
(i) a station on an aircraft that is not an aircraft station; and
(ii) land mobile stations; and
(iii) remotely located land stations; and
(d) for which the ACMA, or a person accredited under section 263 of the Act, undertakes coordination procedures for the purpose of minimising interference to reception.
major coast receive station means a station:
(a) that is used on land principally for receiving messages transmitted by a maritime ship station; and
(b) that is not capable of transmitting messages of any kind; and
(c) that may be used for receiving messages transmitted by any of the following:
(i) a station on an aircraft that is not an aircraft station;
(ii) a land mobile station;
(iii) a remotely located land station; and
(d) for which the ACMA, or a person accredited under section 263 of the Act, undertakes coordination procedures for the purpose of minimising interference to reception.
maritime coast licence means a licence issued for 1 or more stations that:
(a) are operated on land principally for transmitting messages to, and receiving messages from, a maritime ship station; and
(b) may communicate with any of the following:
(i) a station on an aircraft that is not an aircraft station;
(ii) a land mobile station;
(iii) a remotely located land station; and
(c) are operated on maritime frequencies.
maritime coast station means a station that:
(a) is operated on land principally for transmitting messages to, and receiving messages from, a maritime ship station; and
(b) may communicate with any of the following:
(i) a station on an aircraft that is not an aircraft station;
(ii) a land mobile station;
(iii) a remotely located land station; and
(c) is operated on maritime frequencies.
maritime frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of maritime mobile services.
maritime mobile‑satellite frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of maritime mobile‑satellite services.
maritime mobile‑satellite service has the meaning it has in the spectrum plan.
maritime mobile service means a mobile service:
(a) between:
(i) maritime coast stations and maritime ship stations; or
(ii) maritime ship stations; or
(iii) on‑board communications stations associated with a maritime ship station, whether or not those stations are operated on board ships; and
(b) in which survival craft stations and emergency position indicating radio beacon stations may participate.
maritime ship licence means a licence issued for a maritime ship station.
maritime ship station means a station that:
(a) is operated on board a ship for communication with:
(i) maritime coast stations; or
(ii) on‑board communication stations associated with the maritime ship station, whether or not those stations are operated on board ships; and
(b) may include equipment that is in a survival craft of the ship; and
(c) may include a mobile earth station on board the ship; and
(d) operates on maritime frequencies; and
(e) operates on maritime mobile‑satellite frequencies or radiodetermination frequencies.
medium frequency, and MF, mean a frequency that exceeds 300 kHz but does not exceed 3 MHz.
message includes all or part of any correspondence, communication, conversation, information or signal transmitted or received by a station.
mobile earth station means an earth station that is operating in the mobile‑satellite service.
mobile outpost station means an outpost station that is established for use:
(a) while the station is in motion; or
(b) during halts at unspecified points on land, on water or in the air.
mobile‑satellite service has the meaning it has in the spectrum plan.
mobile station means a station that is established for use:
(a) while the station is in motion on land, on water or in the air; or
(b) in a stationary position at unspecified points on land, on water or in the air.
narrowband area receiver means a station:
(a) established solely for the reception of radio transmissions from a narrowband area service station; and
(b) that uses a single frequency and an occupied bandwidth not exceeding 4 MHz.
narrowband area service station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and
(b) provides one‑way radio transmission to not less than 4 narrowband area receivers; and
(c) uses an occupied bandwidth not exceeding 4 MHz; and
(d) is not operated in the broadcasting services bands.
narrowcasting service station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and
(b) provides an open narrowcasting or a subscription narrowcasting service; and
(c) operates only in the broadcasting services bands.
necessary bandwidth has the meaning it has in the Radio Regulations.
non assigned basis, for a licence to operate a station, means the basis on which a station operates on frequencies, where the ACMA has not specified the operating frequencies for the station in the transmitter licence that relates to the station.
open narrowcasting service has the meaning it has in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
out‑of‑band emission has the meaning it has in the Radio Regulations.
outpost assigned station means a station that:
(a) is operated under an outpost licence; and
(b) is operated on frequencies specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station; and
(c) is established for the transmission and reception of messages to and from fixed and mobile outpost stations.
outpost licence means a licence issued for an outpost station.
outpost non assigned station means a station that:
(a) is operated under an outpost licence; and
(b) is operated:
(i) on a non assigned basis; or
(ii) on frequencies specified for the operation of outpost non assigned stations in a licence conditions determination.
outpost station means a station operating in the MF and HF bands that is principally established:
(a) to provide radiocommunications in a remote locality at which a connection to a telecommunications network operated by a carrier or carriage service provider is not provided; or
(b) if a connection to a telecommunications network operated by a carrier or carriage service provider is provided at the remote locality where the station is situated—to provide radiocommunications in the locality for the purposes of an emergency that involves:
(i) prejudice to the security or defence of Australia; or
(ii) a serious threat to the environment; or
(iii) risk of injury to, or death of, a person; or
(iv) risk of damage to, or substantial loss of, property.
PABX cordless telephone service means a service that:
(a) consists of 1 or more land stations used in conjunction with a PABX; and
(b) if the service has more than 1 land station—has land stations sited so that the distance between any 2 land stations does not exceed 2 kilometres; and
(c) operates in the frequency band from 857 MHz to 861 MHz.
paging receiver means a radiocommunications receiver used in a paging system, being a receiver that:
(a) has an integral antenna; and
(b) is usually capable of being carried on the person.
paging system means a system:
(a) that uses only paging technology; and
(b) comprising 1 or more stations that:
(i) are operated under a land mobile licence or a fixed licence; and
(ii) in an exterior paging application, comprise:
(A) a land station established for the purpose of one‑way communication to 1 or more paging receivers; and
(B) 1 or more land stations that are used solely to improve service reliability within a 40 kilometre radius of the station mentioned in sub‑subparagraph (A); and
(iii) in an interior paging application:
(A) are used for communications with 1 or more paging receivers; and
(B) if permitted by the licence, may communicate with a mobile station that uses an interior paging talkback channel (within the meaning of section 3 of the VHF High Band Frequency Band Plan (148 to 174 MHz) 1991) to acknowledge receipt of a paging transmission; and
(C) are located within premises or restricted areas.
paging system station means a station that is operated as part of a paging system.
PMTS Class B means a Public Mobile Telecommunications Service Class B, being a service that consists of 2 or more land stations that are operated under a PTS licence.
PMTS Class C means a Public Mobile Telecommunications Service Class C, being a service that consists of 1 or more stations that:
(a) are located on an aircraft; and
(b) are operated under a PTS licence; and
(c) are operated on a frequency, or frequencies, specified in a PTS licence.
point to multipoint station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a fixed licence; and
(b) is operated principally for communication with more than 1 other fixed station; and
(c) is operated on frequencies specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station.
point to multipoint system means a system:
(a) comprising an unlimited number of point to multipoint stations that are:
(i) operated under a fixed licence; and
(ii) located anywhere within the areas specified in the licence; and
(b) where a spectrum access exists for each authorisation of the operation of a group of point to multipoint stations that involves a unique combination of:
(i) a particular transmit frequency; and
(ii) a particular bandwidth; and
(iii) a particular geographical area (a circle with a radius of a specified number of kilometres from a specified site).
point to point (5.8 GHz band) station means a point to point station that is operated only within the frequency range greater than 5.725 GHz and less than or equal to 5.825 GHz.
point to point (self‑coordinated) station means a self‑coordinated point to point station that is operated only within 1 of the following frequency ranges:
(a) the frequency range greater than 57.2 GHz and less than or equal to 58.2 GHz;
(b) the frequency range greater than 71 GHz and less than or equal to 76 GHz;
(c) the frequency range greater than 81 GHz and less than or equal to 86 GHz.
point to point station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a fixed licence; and
(b) is operated principally for communication with 1 other fixed station; and
(c) is operated on frequencies specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station.
PTS means a Public Telecommunications Service.
PTS licence means an apparatus licence:
(a) issued for a service that consists of 1 or more stations that are operated for the provision of a public mobile telecommunications service; or
(b) that authorises the operation of 1 or more stations (the licensed stations), where:
(i) the licensed stations communicate with mobile stations; and
(ii) the mobile stations are ordinarily used for or in relation to the supply of a public mobile telecommunications service, but when used in conjunction with the licensed stations, do not involve the use of the mobile stations for or in relation to the supply of a public mobile telecommunications service.
Note: Paragraph (b) of the definition of PTS licence recognises that some stations may be used to deliver a carriage service to an end-user’s mobile device, but that service will not be a public mobile telecommunications service within the meaning of the Telecommunications Act 1997.
public correspondence means a telecommunication:
(a) that is accepted for transmission by a station because the station is available for use by the public; or
(b) that is accepted for transmission by a person or body because the person or body is required, under a licence, to accept the telecommunication from the public for transmission.
public mobile telecommunications service means:
(a) a public mobile telecommunications service within the meaning of the Telecommunications Act 1997; or
(b) a service that:
(i) would be a public mobile telecommunications service within the meaning of that Act except that the service does not comply with paragraph 32(1)(c) of that Act; and
(ii) is an exempt service under subsection 32(4) of that Act.
pX has the meaning it has in the Radio Regulations.
pY has the meaning it has in the Radio Regulations.
pZ has the meaning it has in the Radio Regulations.
radio astronomy means astronomy based on the reception of radio waves of cosmic origin.
radio astronomy service means a radiocommunication service that is used solely for the purposes of radio astronomy.
radiodetermination means:
(a) determination, on the basis of propagation properties of radio waves, of:
(i) the position of an object; or
(ii) the velocity of an object; or
(iii) other characteristics of an object; and
(b) the obtaining of information about characteristics mentioned in paragraph (a).
radiodetermination frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of radiodetermination.
radiodetermination licence means a licence issued for a station that is operated:
(a) to determine the position, velocity or other characteristics of an object; or
(b) to obtain information relating to those characteristics;
by means of the propagation properties of radio waves.
radiodetermination station means a station that is operated under a radiodetermination licence.
radionavigation means the use of radiocommunications (including radiodetermination) for the purpose of navigation, obstruction or warning.
Radio Regulations has the meaning it has in the spectrum plan.
radio waves means electromagnetic waves of frequencies less than 3000 GHz that are propagated in space without an artificial guide.
Regulations means the Radiocommunications Regulations 1993.
scientific assigned station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a scientific licence; and
(b) is operated on a frequency or frequencies that are specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station.
scientific licence means a licence issued for a station, which operates primarily to perform any of the following activities:
(a) research into radiocommunications;
(b) investigation of radiocommunications;
(c) instruction in radiocommunications;
(d) demonstration of equipment;
(e) testing of equipment;
(f) trials of new radiocommunications technology;
(g) radio propagation path testing.
scientific non assigned station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a scientific licence; and
(b) is operated:
(i) on a non assigned basis; or
(ii) on frequencies specified for the operation of scientific non assigned stations in a licence conditions determination.
scientific station means:
(a) a scientific assigned station; or
(b) a scientific non assigned station.
ship includes every kind of vessel or floating craft of any size, not being a vessel or floating craft that is permanently moored.
ship station Class B means a maritime ship station, other than a ship station Class C.
ship station Class B assigned means a maritime ship station that:
(a) is operated under a maritime ship licence; and
(b) may be used for the transmission and reception of messages on behalf of the public; and
(c) is operated on maritime frequencies specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station.
ship station Class B non assigned means a maritime ship station that:
(a) is operated under a maritime ship licence; and
(b) may be used for the transmission and reception of messages on behalf of the public; and
(c) is operated:
(i) on maritime frequencies on a non assigned basis; or
(ii) on frequencies specified for the operation of ship station Class B non assigned stations in a licence conditions determination.
ship station Class C means a maritime ship station that is equipped in accordance with Marine Orders made under the Navigation Act 2012.
ship station Class C assigned means a maritime ship station that:
(a) is operated under a maritime ship licence; and
(b) is equipped in accordance with Marine Orders made under the Navigation Act 2012; and
(c) is operated on maritime frequencies specified in the transmitter licence that relates to the station.
ship station Class C non assigned means a maritime ship station that:
(a) is operated under a maritime ship licence; and
(b) is equipped in accordance with Marine Orders made under the Navigation Act 2012; and
(c) is operated:
(i) on maritime frequencies on a non assigned basis; or
(ii) on frequencies specified for the operation of ship station Class C non assigned stations in a licence conditions determination.
single sideband, and SSB, mean a radio emission of which the carrier and either the upper or lower sideband are suppressed.
sound outside broadcast station means a fixed station that:
(a) is operated under a fixed licence; and
(b) is established for the purpose of providing a temporary broadcasting coverage of an event.
space licence means an apparatus licence that authorises the operation of a space station.
space receive licence means an apparatus licence that authorises the operation of a space receive station.
space receive station means a radiocommunications receiver on a space object.
space station has the meaning it has in the spectrum plan.
spurious emission has the meaning it has in the Radio Regulations.
station means an installation or thing that is, or includes, either or both of the following:
(a) 1 or more radiocommunications transmitters;
(b) 1 or more radiocommunications receivers;
and includes an installation or thing, whether artificial or naturally occurring, that is intentionally used to reflect or receive radio emissions.
subscription narrowcasting service has the meaning it has in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
survival craft station has the meaning it has in the spectrum plan.
telecommunications network has the meaning it has in the Telecommunications Act 1997.
television outside broadcast network means a network comprising 1 or more television outside broadcast stations that are operated:
(a) under a fixed licence; and
(b) anywhere in Australia; and
(c) on more than 1 frequency specified in the fixed licence.
television outside broadcast network station means a station that is operated within a television outside broadcast network.
television outside broadcast station means a station that:
(a) is operated under a fixed licence; and
(b) operates:
(i) on a frequency exceeding 1 GHz; and
(ii) between 2 points for a short period of time; and
(c) is used only for the transmission of television signals and associated signals.
television outside broadcast system means a system comprising 1 or more television outside broadcast stations that are operated:
(a) under a fixed licence; and
(b) in an area specified in the fixed licence; and
(c) on a frequency specified in the fixed licence.
television outside broadcast system station means a station that is operated within a television outside broadcast system.
temporary fixed link station means a station:
(a) that is operated under a fixed licence; and
(b) that is operated anywhere in Australia for a period of not more than 14 days; and
(c) that is operated on a frequency or frequencies in the range:
(i) 12.75 GHz to 13.25 GHz; or
(ii) 14.5 GHz to 15.35 GHz; or
(iii) 21.2 GHz to 23.6 GHz; and
(d) for which the ACMA, or a person accredited under section 263 of the Act, undertakes coordination procedures for the purpose of minimising interference.
ultra high frequency, and UHF, mean a frequency that exceeds 300 MHz but does not exceed 3 GHz.
ultra wideband station means a station with an emission bandwidth (measured at the furthest ‑10 dB points either side of the peak emission level) at any time that is:
(a) greater than or equal to 500 MHz; or
(b) greater than or equal to 20% of the value of the centre frequency of the emission bandwidth measurement points.
upper sideband, and USB, mean an SSB radio emission of which the sideband below the carrier is suppressed.
very high frequency, and VHF, mean a frequency that exceeds 30 MHz but does not exceed 300 MHz.
