Remaking the sunsetting radionavigation satellite service class licence

RNSS receivers – also commonly known as Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers – are used in smartphones, cars, aeroplanes and other location-aware devices to provide accurate position information anywhere on Earth. 

The Radiocommunications (Radionavigation-Satellite Service) Class Licence 2015 (RNSS Class Licence) authorises the use of RNSS receivers in specified shared frequency bands. It provides a standing authorisation to operate RNSS receivers to receive RNSS radiocommunications by any person, provided they comply with the conditions set out in the licence.

The RNSS Class Licence is due to sunset on 1 October 2025. We consider it is operating effectively and efficiently, and continues to form a necessary and useful part of the legislative framework.

Before it sunsets, we propose to replace it with the draft Radiocommunications (Radionavigation-Satellite Service) Class Licence 2025. This maintains the operation and effect of the RNSS Class Licence and includes some minor changes to:

• remove section 5 concerning standards and equipment rules, as these provisions are covered by other legislative instruments made by the ACMA
• bring it up to date with contemporary legislative drafting practices.

We invite comment from stakeholders on our proposal to remake the RNSS Class Licence, including whether it is operating efficiently and effectively, and any other issues concerning its purpose and operation.