Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan

Overview

Australian spectrum allocation arrangements are, at their broadest level, embodied in a statutory instrument known as the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan (the Spectrum Plan). The Spectrum Plan divides the Australian radiofrequency spectrum into a number of frequency bands and specifies the general purpose for which the bands may be used. This process is referred to as the allocation of frequency bands to radiocommunication services. The Spectrum Plan is intended to:

• provide a basis for management of the radiofrequency spectrum in Australia;
• inform and educate radiocommunication users and the public about the various types of services that can be operated in each frequency band, and the conditions attached to their operation;
• reflect Australia's obligations as a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); and
• provide details of international frequency allocations agreed by the ITU for the three world Regions.

The Spectrum Plan, including additional informative material, is published as the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan January 2013. The Spectrum Plan is reviewed on a regular basis and updated in response to the Final Acts of ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences. These conferences occur nominally at four yearly intervals, the last being held in Geneva, Switzerland, February 2012.

An update to the Spectrum Plan has recently been made, incorporating changes from this latest conference along with updates on several domestic issues.

This new version of the Spectrum Plan came into effect on 1 January 2013.

The Spectrum Plan is divided into two chapters. Chapter 1 is the General Information section, which provides an introduction to the basis of the Plan, broad guidance in its use, and information relevant to the international framework from which it is developed. Chapter 2 is the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan. Its contents bind the Australian Communications and Media Authority in making decisions on the use of the radiofrequency spectrum.

For further details on current usage of and issues related to radiofrequency spectrum in Australia, and to view the further direction of the ACMA’s spectrum management, please refer to ACMA’s Five-year spectrum outlook.

Copies of the 2013 Spectrum Plan and Wall Chart are available to download free of charge using the links below.

Spectrum Illustrated

Spectrum Illustrated is a graphical guide to major spectrum allocations in Australia. It offers a simplified view of where services such as mobile telephones, satellites and television are located in the radiofrequency spectrum. Spectrum Illustrated has been developed as an educational guide and as such does not show all the uses of the radiofrequency spectrum detailed in Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan. Spectrum Illustrated is available on the ACMA website as a png image (zipped 3.9 mb, unzipped 4.1 mb).