What an earth licence is for
An earth licence lets you operate one or more earth stations.
An earth station communicates with a space station via an uplink.
The space station may be:
- Australian
- foreign
To receive communications from a space station via a downlink, you need an earth receive licence.
If you have an earth licence, you may not need to license the space station.
To license the space station instead, you will need a space licence.
The Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2015 defines earth licences.
Licence options
There are 2 options for earth licences:
Fixed earth
This is for earth stations that operate from a fixed point.
They communicate with:
- space stations
- other earth stations via space stations
You cannot operate a mobile earth station under this licence.
Mobile earth
This licence option allows you to operate a mobile earth station.
This is a station that can be used while in motion, or stationary in the air or on land or water.
Frequencies for earth stations
An earth 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.
Licence conditions
When you have an earth licence, you must follow the conditions of your licence.
These include:
- conditions of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act)
- Licence Condition (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2015
- other conditions that apply to you under ‘special conditions’
These conditions help you communicate safely and without interference.
We will include information you should be aware of under the heading 'advisory notes'.
Fees
We charge fees for apparatus licences.
In some circumstances, you can apply for a licence fee exemption or concession.
Apply for an earth licence
To apply for an earth 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 licence
You can apply to: