Band plans

The ACMA's plans for frequency bands are in one of two forms frequency band plans or administrative band plans.

Frequency Band Plans

Frequency band plans are legal instruments that specify the purposes for which bands may be used, and may provide for the reservation of parts of the spectrum for public or community services.

Frequency band plans are prepared for parts of the spectrum where there is a clear need arising from Government policy initiatives or community demand - to date, this has essentially been across the more commercially oriented radiocommunications bands. For example, the 900 MHz band - in that case to support Government telecommunications reforms initiated in the early 1990s or the VHF Mid and High Bands which were highly congested mobile radio bands by the mid 1980s and seen by the community as in need of major restructuring.

Administrative Band Plans

Administrative band plans serve a similar purpose to frequency band plans, but without the latter's statutory obligations. They provide a policy basis for band usage.