Any satellite network operating to places in Australia must be authorised by radiocommunications licences issued by the ACMA.
Satellite networks already coordinated
If you want to use an existing satellite network that has already been brought into use by the ACMA or by the administration of another member state of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), then authorisation simply involves getting the right licence.
First you have to determine whether your network is operating from an Australian or a foreign space object.
The ACMA regulatory framework for operating space services in Australia is based on whether the space object is Australian or foreign. We can only regulate foreign space objects to the extent that Australian spectrum is being used.
New satellite networks
If you want to establish a new satellite network you need to request the ACMA to file technical details concerning the network with the ITU on your behalf. The technical characteristics of the network then need to be coordinated with other member states of the ITU.
Before you can bring an Australian satellite network into use, you need to file an application with the ACMA, and undertake the following process:
- Meet the ACMA assessment criteria
- Before it can file details of a proposed satellite network with the ITU the ACMA needs to assess whether it meets the necessary criteria.
- Sign a Deed of Agreement and a service contract with the ACMA.
- The ACMA enters into a Deed of Agreement with the satellite operator in order to enforce the compliance of the operator should interference problems arise.
- The ACMA enters into a service contract with the satellite operator. This contract specifies all services and facilities that the ACMA expects to provide to the satellite operator on a cost recovery fee basis and within a specified time frame.
- Work with the ACMA to coordinate the network with other administrations.
- Apply to the ACMA for the relevant licence to authorise the network.
