If a network unit is used to supply carriage services to the public, the owner(s) must hold a telecommunications carrier licence unless, the owner:
- enters into an arrangement by which a licensed telecommunications carrier is nominated to take on the carrier-related responsibilities in relation to their network units (a nominated carrier declaration); or
- is exempt from the requirement to hold a carrier licence under the provisions of Part 3 of the Telecommunications Act 1997; or
- has a certificate issued by the ACMA authorising it to conduct a trial of its services or operations (a trial certificate).
Before you apply for a carrier licence
You should be familiar with the legislation you need to follow as a carrier.
- Telecommunications Act 1997 (Telecommunications Act)
- Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999
- Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (Chapter 5)
- Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Act 2015
- Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Determination 2019
- Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Conditions – Security Information) Declaration 2022
How to apply for a carrier licence
Follow these steps to apply for a carrier licence.
Step 1
Read our Carrier licensing guide.
Step 2
The Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) (Application) Determination 2022 sets the fee, which is $2,708.
Before submitting your application, please contact carriers@acma.gov.au to obtain an invoice for payment of the carrier licence application fee.
For an invoice to be raised, the ACMA requires the following information of the applicant:
- ABN/ACN of the applicant
- Postal address
- Registered business address (if different from the postal address)
- Details of the contact person for the purposes of the application (full name, position, telephone and email)
Step 3
Complete form T033 Application for carrier licence. An application must be accompanied by the application fee.
Applicants should refer to the checklist in form T033 to ensure their application is complete prior to submitting it to the ACMA.
Please submit your application to the ACMA by email at carriers@acma.gov.au
How we assess your application
The ACMA must consult the Communications Access Co-ordinator (CAC) about a licence application. Generally, the ACMA has 20 business days after the day the application is received by the CAC to decide whether to grant a licence. However, this timeframe can be extended in certain circumstances, including when:
- the ACMA requests further information from the applicant
- the CAC gives the ACMA a written notice stating that while the notice remains in force, the ACMA must not grant the carrier licence
The Carrier licensing guide explains how we manage applications for carrier licences.
Once you hold a licence
Carrier licence holders may need to pay annual fees and levies.
Licence holders may also be required to report on activities as a condition of their licence.
Carriers appear on the register of carrier licences and nominated carrier declarations.