Spectrum use updated

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has released an Australian radiofrequency spectrum plan.

It divides the spectrum into frequency bands and also provides radio communication users with information about the types of services allocated to each band.

"Types of services that will benefit from new spectrum allocations in the new Spectrum Plan include amateur, radiolocation, aeronautical, earth exploration-satellite and space research services," said Chris Cheah, Acting ACMA Chairman.

This should lead to additional spectrum becoming available for international mobile telecommunications, space research activities, radio astronomy, mobile-satellite services and improved sharing arrangements between space and future terrestrial services. The changes came into effect on 1 January 2009.

The plan is based on the spectrum arrangements developed by the International Telecommunications Union and incorporates changes made to international frequency allocations at the 2007 World Radiocommunications Conference.

The plan divides the spectrum into frequency bands, and specifies the purposes for which the bands may be used, in accordance with the requirements of section 30 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

For further information on the Spectrum Plan and associated Spectrum Chart, visit http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_2713.