Interim arrangements for W-band fixed satellite service earth station transmitters

This consultation has closed. You can view the submissions we received below.

earth station

Radiofrequency Spectrum

radiocommunications

We are proposing interim arrangements to support earth station transmitters in parts of Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney in the following frequency ranges: 

• 92–94 GHz
• 94.1–95 GHz
• 95–100 GHz
• 102–109.5 GHz
• 111.8–114.25 GHz.

W-Band arrangements for earth stations are under consideration in the USA and Europe to support new satellite services. This includes gateway earth stations supporting broadband satellite services. The Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan 2021 (ARSP) does not currently allocate the W-band for fixed-satellite services (FSS).  

Given this lack of an allocation and the generally light use of the band in the proposed locations, we do not intend to undertake a full review of W-band. However, we want to develop interim arrangements while we monitor developments. The lack of an FSS allocation in the ARSP also means that we will need to invoke the provisions of subsection 10(10) of the ARSP if we decide to implement the proposed arrangements.

Subsection 10(10) allows a frequency band to be used for an unspecified service. This is on the condition that prior to its use, we are satisfied the service is unlikely to cause harmful interference to other services. Approval must be provided in writing and published on the ACMA website. 

Our preliminary view is that harmful interference is unlikely to be caused to other services, provided earth stations are located within a 2 km radius centred at the following coordinates (GDA94 datum):

• Sydney: -33.785073°, 151.131214°
• Melbourne: -37.823009°, 144.915390°
• Perth: -31.864147°, 115.895866°

To further mitigate potential impacts on existing and future services, we propose the following measures:

• Licence applications will be assessed in accordance with our Procedure for earth and earth receive licensing, and registering earth stations.
• Earth stations will be authorised on the condition that no interference is caused to any radiocommunications station or service, and no protection from interference by such stations or services will be afforded.
• Given that W-band arrangements are under consideration in the USA and Europe, licences will be issued for a non-renewable term of one year. This will allow international developments to inform decisions.
• We will consider any future requests on a case-by-case basis.
• These are interim arrangements, with any access conditional on a future review of the band. Approval cannot be taken as a precedent for future requests.