New arrangements for low interference potential devices - consultation 35/2022

We received 25 public submissions to this consultation, which are available at the bottom of this page. After considering submissions, we decided to proceed with implementing the following updates to the Low Interference Class Licence (LIPD) Class Licence:

• increasing the existing power limit, and allowing outdoor operation, for devices operating in the 5150–5250 MHz band
• including a definition of ‘indoors’
• implementing out-of-band emission limits for RLAN devices operating in the lower 6 GHz band.

Further consideration will be needed on some of the other issues we consulted on, including the authorisation of earth station receivers in the 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz bands and the introduction of arrangements for frequency-hopping spread spectrum devices in the lower 6 GHz band.

A summary of the submissions received, our response, and more details on our next steps are included in the outcomes paper in the ‘Key documents’ box.

This consultation has been extended by 2 weeks. Originally closing on 5 December, we will now accept submissions until 19 December. Note that no further extensions beyond this date will be possible.

We want to make this variation to:

• support new technology applications
• bring Australia into line with international arrangements.

We propose to include the new arrangements in the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2015 (LIPD class licence).

The updates cover new arrangements for:

• radiocommunications receivers communicating with satellites in the 915–928 MHz and 2400–2483.5 MHz bands
• frequency-hopping radiocommunications transmitters in the 5925–6425 MHz band
• radio local area network (RLAN) radiocommunications transmitters in the 5150–5250 MHz band.

We also want to:

• introduce a definition of ‘indoor’
• include additional technical limitations on the use of RLAN devices in the 5925–6425 MHz band.

We are also starting a discussion on:

• future variations to facilitate wireless multi-channel audio system technologies for wireless microphones
• the use of wireless broadband spectrum in underground mines
• expanded use of radiocommunications receivers communicating with satellites in the 915–928 MHz and 2400–2483.5 MHz bands.