Proposed new framework for licensing radionavigation-satellite service retransmission technologies

The radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS) is any satellite constellation that provides positioning, navigation and timing services. It covers commonly used systems, including the Global Positioning System (GPS) and GLONASS (a type of global navigation satellite system). 

RNSS retransmission devices, such as RNSS repeaters, re-transmit or generate RNSS signals into areas with poor-to-no reception of those signals. 

Many underground or enclosed environments often have poor RNSS coverage because RNSS signals are not powerful enough to reach these environments. This loss of RNSS coverage is a problem for many RNSS users.

Under previous banned equipment arrangements, certain beneficial RNSS technologies were incidentally excluded for use due to the ban on RNSS jamming equipment.

To allow publicly beneficial RNSS retransmission technologies to be considered for licensing, we:

• made arrangements to conduct short-term trials of RNSS repeater devices in road tunnels
• changed the scope of the ban on RNSS technologies to devices specifically designed to cause interference.

New licensing, technical and pricing arrangements for RNSS retransmission technologies

We are proposing that RNSS repeaters be licenced under an apparatus licence, radiodetermination licence subtype. This will be accompanied by a Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instruction (RALI) to set out the conditions under which a person could operate an RNSS repeater.

RNSS repeaters are expected to be used in areas with poor RNSS coverage. We propose to licence RNSS repeaters as a system by applying a fixed amount of tax. This is regardless of the amount of bandwidth used.

Our consultation paper outlines the proposed draft framework for authorising long-term licensing for RNSS repeaters. This also sets out the legislative changes needed to bring in the framework.

The consultation paper and draft RALI can be found in the key documents section above.

Subject to the outcome of the consultation, we expect to implement the arrangements from mid-2025. We will also continue to consider applications for trials of RNSS repeater devices under assigned scientific licences. You can find out further details on scientific licences on our website.

We welcome your feedback on the arrangements set out in this consultation. Submissions close at 5 pm (AEST) on Wednesday, 17 July 2024.