Proposal to remake the Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences – High Power Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2014

On 19 September 2024, after considering the submissions, we made the Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences – High Power Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2024. This replaces the Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences – High Power Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2014. 

We received 2 submissions to the consultation. The submitters supported or did not object to the remake and minor changes we proposed. You can access the submissions at the bottom of this page.

The Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences – High Power Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2014 is due to sunset on 1 October 2024. This instrument sets out a system for the price-based allocation of high power open narrowcasting (HPON) licences. 

HPON services are usually operated for profit, and the allocation may attract a number of interested parties. For these reasons, we allocate most LAP-planned HPON licences via price-based allocations. 

Our view is that the determination is operating effectively and efficiently. 

We plan to remake the instrument before the sunset date, with minor changes to:

• Remove the requirement for us to maintain a register of section 34 determinations.
• Provide more flexibility about the type of auction and the medium of bidding.
• Make minor formatting and drafting changes, and group certain provisions together.

You can access details of our proposal in the consultation paper in the key documents box above. A copy of the draft Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences – High Power Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2024 is also available.

Due to a technical error, stakeholders were initially unable to upload submissions to this consultation. The issue has been resolved, and we have extended the cut-off date for submissions to COB, Friday 2 August 2024. 

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have any queries, please email bcp@acma.gov.au.