NZ's RSM boosts its radio compliance capabilities

In its latest industry update, New Zealand’s Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) has detailed new capabilities for detecting “unlicensed radio communication signals anywhere and anytime in New Zealand”.

The authority has commissioned a new mass signal detection and analysis system, which enables its radio inspectors to scan multiple bands and return a table of active frequencies.

RSM said the upgrade better equips the inspectors to detect unlicensed signals in a crowded spectrum, and improve frequency compliance audits and interference investigations.

The mass signal detection and analysis system can be activated either locally or remotely via internet control.

At a recent FIFA soccer event, RSM inspectors trialled the additional capability based on a geolocation technique.

The result quickly returned a geographic depiction of where a transmission of interest was located, displayed as a red hot spot in the photos below.

An RSM radio inspector and FIFA venue coordinator monitor transmissions made by staff at known locations.

RSM said it plans to progressively increase its capability to improve the probability of intercepting unlicensed and/or interfering radio signals and thus protect and add value to radio communications in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, RSM has also reminded users of the need to avoid using prohibited radio equipment.

In a recent case, a hunter was convicted in the Tokoroa District Court and fined NZ$1000 for using illegal dog tracking equipment and NZ$1000 for unlawful hunting.

The hunter pleaded guilty to using unlicensed radio communications equipment and hunting unlawfully after being found hunting in forestry blocks in April this year.

The sentencing judge also imposed an order for the confiscation of a NZ$8000 vehicle and forfeiture of the illegal devices. The confiscation of the vehicle was mentioned by the judge as a consideration for imposing the penalty for each charge.

RSM said that dog tracking equipment designed for the United States is likely to use the 151-154 MHz frequency range, which is assigned for other purposes in New Zealand.