ARCIA update: consultation papers and training courses

ARCIA continues to advance the cause of all wireless technologies and industries as part of a modern economy — and to that end, our new-look spectrum subcommittee, now led by Simon Lardner, has been busy responding to various ACMA consultation papers and questions from members.

ARCIA proposed updates to the citizens band radio service (CBRS) to bring it in line with the rest of the 12.5 KHz banding; as it stands, some channels are still operating at 25 KHz. In particular, the committee felt that there was likely to be community benefit when narrow-banding repeater channels to potentially allow more repeaters around the country.

The spectrum subcommittee also contributed to an ACMA technical paper regarding the allocation design for mobile satellite services (MSS) in the 2 GHz band. Given the growing importance of direct-to-satellite mobile services, the ARCIA committee felt that including public safety in allocation design could provide many future benefits across the country.

ARCIA also had a request from a member regarding the practical operation of the 4.9 GHz public safety spectrum. As ARCIA has commented on this important band for public safety previously, we were able to provide our advice on what the intended usage for this band is.

It’s been pleasing to see a number of training courses that have run successfully so far in 2025, with good numbers in attendance, including for the Microwave Engineering Masterclass held in August. As part of the Brisbane conference in late July, Chris Stevens ran an LMR Antenna & Transmission Line Fundamentals & Testing practical course that saw 12 participants receiving an ARCIA Certificate of Competence on the day, with a further course planned in conjunction with the upcoming South Australia conference. The association also continues to develop new content in line with market requirements and to this end is currently looking at sessions for the next generation of broadband communications for private 5G networks. Check arcia.org.au/training for upcoming training, both online and face to face.

With Comms Connect just around the corner, the association is again holding pre-conference workshops, this year on microwave engineering and P25 technology — so head to the Comms Connect site if there are some knowledge gaps in your team on these important topics. In addition, at the conference, there will be a segment on the future of our wireless workforce, so keep an eye out for that if you’re attending. ARCIA will as always have a stand at Comms Connect, so please do come by and say hello at what is the largest gathering of professional wireless communications professionals and products in the Southern Hemisphere.

The association recently held its annual general meeting and it was great to see all committee positions filled without difficulty, with a number of these new to the committee and some from younger generations too! Reports demonstrated that the association is in a strong position currently, with growth in members and partners, setting us on a firm financial footing for the year ahead.

This is an amazing vote of confidence from the sector and recognition of a lot of hard work by the CEO and the committee. ARICA thanks its members and partners for their wonderful support.

Hamish Duff, President (Hon), ARCIA – Australia’s Radio & Critical Communications Association.

Top image credit: iStock.com/Volha Rahalskaya