What an earth receive licence is for
An earth licence lets you operate 1 or more earth stations that receive communications from a space station via a downlink.
The space station may be:
- Australian
- foreign
To communicate with a space station via an uplink, you need an earth licence.
If you already have a licence for the space station, you may not need to license the earth station.
The Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2015 defines earth receive licences.
Options for earth receive licences
There are 2 options for earth receive licences.
Fixed earth receive
This is for earth stations that operate from a fixed point.
They receive communications from:
- space stations
- other earth stations via space stations
You cannot operate a mobile earth station under this licence.
Mobile earth receive
This licence option allows you to operate a mobile earth station that can only receive communications.
It can be used when in motion or stationary.
Frequencies for earth receive stations
An earth receive licence is an assigned licence.
You must license each earth station if it uses a different frequency.
To use amateur satellite frequencies, you should apply for an amateur licence.
Fees
We charge fees for apparatus licences.
In some circumstances, you can apply for a licence fee exemption or concession.
Apply for an earth receive licence
To apply for an earth receive licence you should contact an accredited person.
They can:
- assign you a frequency
- give you a frequency assignment certificate
- apply for your licence for you
Transfer an earth receive licence
You can apply to:
- transfer your earth receive licence to someone else