Implementation of proposed changes to apparatus licence pricing

We received 4 submissions to this consultation, including one in-confidence. The public submissions are available at the bottom of the page.

As a result of the consultation feedback, the ACMA has made the following amending tax determinations to give effect to the proposal to update apparatus licence tax rates using the population-based methodology:

• Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Amendment Determination 2023 (No. 3) 
• Radiocommunications (Receiver Licence Tax) Amendment Determination 2023 (No. 1).

This new methodology replaces the previous approach that updated tax rates based on inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The new tax rates will take effect on 5 April 2024, and we will update the apparatus licence fee schedule and the online licence fee calculator closer to this date.

In this consultation, the ACMA also received feedback regarding satellite pricing. One submitter independently sought a further review of Ka-band taxes. We consider that the 90% discounts we applied in 2021 to Ka-band spectrum and above have sufficiently addressed differences between Australian tax rates and other jurisdictions tax rates in this spectrum band. However, as noted in the consultation paper, the ACMA is preparing for reviews of pricing arrangements for services below 5 GHz. Some Information about these reviews can be found in the Five-year spectrum outlook 2023–28.

In our March consultation paper, we announced further work on a number of apparatus licence pricing proposals. These included:

• a proposed framework to update taxes annually using population data
• a proposed reduction of nearly 50% to the television outside broadcast network (TOBN) licence tax rate 
• discussion on further work on pricing for varying levels of interference.

This consultation paper progresses these issues further. It: 

• addresses stakeholder feedback on previous proposals and provides our responses
• announces the reduction of the TOBN licence tax rate
• proposes an update to apparatus licence taxes based on the new population methodology.

We invite comments on the issues set out in the consultation paper by 5 pm (AEDT), Thursday 28 September.