How regulation works

The ACMA is the government body responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications. Use the links below to find information about the ACMA's role in each area.

• About communications & media regulation - A summary of the ACMA's responsibilities the regulation of broadcasting, the internet, telecommunications, and radiofrequency spectrum management.
• Compliance bulletins - The ACMA’s current compliance and enforcement bulletins for telecommunications and the Do Not Call Register.
• Regulating in the public interest – a speech made by the ACMA’s former Principal Economist, Rebecca Burdon, outlining how the ACMA proposes to assess whether regulatory proposals that are likely to have a significant economic effect on stakeholders are in the public interest.
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Broadcasting

• Broadcasting regulation - The ACMA's broadcast regulation responsibilities cover channel planning, licensing, regulation of content, and regulation of ownership.
  • Regulating radio broadcasters - About the ACMA's role in regulating radio broadcasters.
  • Regulating TV broadcasters - About the ACMA's role in regulating television broadcasters.

Internet

• Online regulation - The ACMA administers a co-regulatory scheme for online content through codes of practice.

Telecommunications

• Telecommunications regulation - The Australian telecommunications industry is regulated through the application of industry codes, industry standards, and technical standards.
  • Carriers & service providers - A description of service providers and their responsibilities.
  • Infrastructure - An entry point for information relating to telecommunications infrastructure.
  • Submarine telecommunications cables - Information about the underwater telecommunications cables that link Australia with other countries.

Radiofrequency spectrum

• Spectrum management regulation - The ACMA's role in relation to radiofrequency spectrum management involves licensing, planning and the coordination of standards.
  • Why is there a need for planning of the spectrum? - To ensure equitable access, interference between spectrum users must be managed.
  • How does Australia manage the spectrum? - A summary of the Australian radiofrequency spectrum management environment.
  • Facilitating change in use - About the ACMA's forward planning of spectrum use.
  • Accessing radiofrequency spectrum - Choosing the correct method of spectrum access for communication services.