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Radiodetermination licence

Radiodetermination is the use of radio waves to find or track objects. You need a licence to operate a radiodetermination station

What a radiodetermination licence is for

Radiodetermination equipment uses radio waves to determine this information about an object:

  • position
  • speed
  • characteristics

Traffic radar speed guns and navigational beacons use radiodetermination. 

This licence lets you operate a radiodetermination station.

While this licence is generally for radio signals, we may sometimes allow voice communication.

The Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2015 defines radiodetermination licences.

Frequencies for radiodetermination

You can find frequency information for radiodetermination stations in the Australian radiofrequency spectrum plan.

You need to ask us if you want to use a frequency outside the approved bands.

Syledis services operate on the frequency 427 MHz.

Traffic radar speed guns for police use the frequency band 34.2 to 35.2 GHz.

To use a radiodetermination frequency for a radar on an aircraft or ship, see:

Licence conditions

When you have a radiodetermination licence, you must follow the conditions of your licence.

These include:

These conditions help you communicate safely and without interference.

We will include information you should be aware of under the heading 'advisory notes'.

Call signs

Call signs are a unique series of letters and numbers. They make it easy to identify a station.

If you need to use a call sign for a radiodetermination licence, it will say it on your licence.

You should use your call sign or station identifier:

  • every time you start to transmit
  • before you transmit in a series
  • when you test

Call signs for stations that use navigational equipment

If you operate a navigational beacon, you must use Morse code to identify it. We will explain how and when to use it on your licence.

We may ask navigation stations that don't use beacons to identify themselves with:

  • where the station is located
  • the name of the licence holder

Fees

We charge fees for apparatus licences.

In some circumstances, you can apply for a licence fee exemption or concession.

Apply for a radiodetermination licence

To apply for a radiodetermination assigned 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 a radiodetermination licence

You can apply to:

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