Proposed variation to the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2015
Discussionpaper
DECEMBER 2015
Canberra
Red Building
Benjamin Offices
Chan Street
Belconnen ACT
PO Box 78
Belconnen ACT 2616
T+61 2 6219 5555
F+61 2 6219 5353
Melbourne
Level 32
Melbourne Central Tower
360 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne VIC
PO Box 13112
Law Courts
Melbourne VIC 8010
T+61 3 9963 6800
F+61 3 9963 6899
Sydney
Level 5
The Bay Centre
65 Pirrama Road
Pyrmont NSW
PO Box Q500
Queen Victoria Building
NSW 1230
T+61 2 9334 7700 or 1800 226 667
F+61 2 9334 7799
Copyright notice
With the exception of coats of arms, logos, emblems, images, other third-party material or devices protected by a trademark, this content is licensed under the Creative Commons Australia Attribution 3.0 Licence.
We request attribution as: © Commonwealth of Australia (Australian Communications and Media Authority) 2015.
All other rights are reserved.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has undertaken reasonable enquiries to identify material owned by third parties and secure permission for its reproduction. Permission may need to be obtained from third parties to re-use their material.
Written enquiries may be sent to:
Manager, Editorial and Design
PO Box 13112
Law Courts
Melbourne VIC 8010
Tel: 03 9963 6968
Email:
Introduction
Class licensing and the LIPD class licence
Proposed variations
Overview
Laser safety standards
Changes to Note 3 to subsection 5(4) of the LIPD class licence
All transmitters (122.25–123 GHz and 244–246 GHz)
Changes to item 23 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence
Digital modulation transmitters
Change to items 58, 59 and 60 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence
Radiodetermination transmitters
Changes to item 71 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence
In-ground ultra-wideband transmitters
Changes to item 79 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence
Building materials analysis transmitters
New item 80 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence
Invitation to comment
Making a submission
acma|1
Introduction
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) is proposing variations to the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2015(the LIPD class licence).[1]
Under section 136 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992(the Act), before varying a class licence the ACMA must invite interested persons to make representations about the proposed variations.This discussion paper provides the context for the proposed variations to assist interested parties in preparing written comments.
The paper provides:
an overview of class licensing and the LIPD class licence
a description of the proposed variation
an invitation to comment on the proposed variation.
A copy of the proposed variation, the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence Variation Notice 2016 (No.1), is available on the ACMA website,
The ACMA invites comment from interested parties on the proposed variation by COB, Friday 26 February 2016. Information about making a submission isin the Invitation to comment section of this discussion paper.
Class licensing and the LIPD class licence
It is a general requirement of the Act that the operation of all radiocommunications devices within Australia be authorised by a radiocommunications licence.
A class licence is one type of licence available to authorise the operation of radiocommunications devices. It is an effective and efficient means of spectrum management for services where a limited set of common frequencies is employed, and equipment is operated under a common set of conditions.
A class licence sets out the conditions under which any person is permitted to operate any device to which the class licence is applicable—it is not issued to an individual user and does not involve the payment of licence fees. A class licence is issued by the ACMA under section 132 of the Act by making a legislative instrument that is registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (FRLI) (see
The LIPD class licenceauthorises the operation of a wide range of radiocommunications devices in various segments of the radiofrequency spectrum. The technical characteristics[2] of these devices mean that the devices have a low potential to cause interference to other devices. The LIPD class licence sets out the conditions under which these devices may operate.
It is a condition of the LIPD class licence that the operation of a radiocommunications device does not cause interference to other radiocommunications services (see paragraph 4(1)(b) of the LIPD class licence). A device used under the LIPD class licence will also not be afforded protection from interference caused by other radiocommunications devices operated under the LIPD class licence.In the event that interference does occur, it is the responsibility of the users of the radiocommunications devices authorised by the LIPD class licence to take measures to resolve that interference.
The transmitters authorised by the LIPD class licence do not require individual frequency coordination for interference management purposes.Examples of equipment covered by the LIPD class licence include garage door openers, Bluetooth devices, wireless microphones and wireless local area network devices.
The ACMA invites suggestions from industry and individuals on devices and technologies for possible inclusion in the list of transmitters authorised under the LIPD class licence for inclusion in future updates.
Proposed variations
Overview
In summary, the proposed variations to the LIPD class licence are:
an update to the note about laser safety standards
an addition of the frequency bands 122.25–123 GHz and 244–246 GHz to arrangements for all transmitters to align with European arrangements
changes to minimum bandwidth requirements for digital modulation transmitters to facilitate use of low bit rate machine-to-machine internet-of-things wireless links
an addition of new frequency bands for radiodetermination transmitters used as industrial sensors
an addition of the frequency band 6000–6800 MHz to arrangements for in-ground ultra-wide bandwidth transmitters
the insertion of a new item supporting the use of building material analysis (stud, wiring and pipework in wall or floor detection) devices.
Laser safety standards
Changes to Note 3 to subsection 5(4) of the LIPD class licence
The existing text of Note 3 to subsection 5(4) of the LIPD class licence contains a reference to the ‘Australia/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2211.10:2004’. Standards Australia has withdrawn this standardandit is proposed that this reference be replaced with an updated reference to ‘the standards AS/NZS IEC 60825.14 Safety of laser products – A user’s guide and AS/NZS IEC 60825.1 Safety of laser products - Equipment classification and requirements’.
All transmitters (122.25–123 GHz and 244–246 GHz)
Changes to item 23 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence
The ACMA is proposing to add new arrangements for devices operating in millimetre (mm) wavelength industrial scientific and medical (ISM) applications bands (122.25–123 GHz and 244–246 GHz), to support new technology. The proposed changes would provide opportunities for the development of short-range interference tolerant communications or radiodetermination technology in these bands.
Two new permitted operating frequency bands,122250–123000 MHz, and 244000–246000 MHz, are proposed to be added to item 23 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence, for use by all transmitters that otherwise comply with the LIPD class licence. These mm ISM bands are covered by paragraph 138 of Part 4 (International Footnotes) of the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan 2013. The existing 100mW maximum EIRP limit for this item will minimise the interference risk to radiocommunications services that might operate in the future in these bands.
The proposed arrangements are based on arrangements in European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations recommendation ERC Recommendation (70-03).
Digital modulation transmitters
Change to items 58, 59 and 60 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence
The ACMA is proposing to update existing arrangements supporting the use of devices providing wireless connections to the internet in line with changes overseas.
The changes would provide greater opportunities for low data rate machine-to-machine and internet-of-things links using Wi-Fi frequency bands.
The proposal is to remove limitation (b) from column 4 of items 58, 59 and 60 of the LIPD class licence, which states ‘The minimum 6 dB bandwidth must be at least 500kHz’. This limitation is currently preventing the use of low data rate machine-to-machine and internet-of-things applications under this item.
The limitation dates back to when this item was introduced to support spread spectrum technology using direct sequence (code division) modulation in the early 2000s. It is now considered that the existing power spectrum density limit that also applies to these items is a sufficient interference control and the 6 dB bandwidth limitation can be removed.
Radiodetermination transmitters
Changes to item 71 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence
The ACMA is proposing to add new arrangements for industrial level probing radar measurement systems complying with international standards operating in the 6 GHz, 24 GHz and 57 GHz bands (these devices are already authorised in the 75 GHz band). These sensors are used in precision automated manufacturing and materials handling systems.
It is proposed to add three new permitted operating frequency bands to this item 71: 6.0–8.5 GHz, 24.05–26.50 GHz, and 57–64 GHz.
Operation of a device in these bands would be subject to the three existing limitations set out in column 4 of item 71.
The first limitation is that the transmitter must be operated in a position such that emissions are directed towards: i) the ground; or ii) the floor or a wall of a building or similar structure. This limitation minimises the level of signal radiated towards other radiocommunications services.
The second limitation is that the transmitter must comply with ETSI standard EN302729 (see an international standard for level probing radar equipment that includes detailed emission requirements.
The third limitation is that the transmitter must not be operated within a nominated distance of specified Australian radio astronomy sites. The nominated distances and specified radio astronomy sites are set out in the definitions section of the LIPD class licence. This limitation is designed to protect these sensitive radio astronomy sites from unwanted emissions.
In-ground ultra-wideband transmitters
Changes to item 79 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence
The ACMA is proposing to add the frequency band 6000–6800 MHz as a permitted operating frequency band for in-ground ultra-wide bandwidth transmitters of item 79. This change would provide greater spectrum opportunities for in-ground ultra-wide bandwidth sensors that are used as parking sensors in automated parking management systems. This frequency band is already authorised for UWB technology use for indoor and portable applications under item 78 of Schedule 1, however the limitations on that item exclude the use of devices from any fixed outdoor locations.
The existing maximum EIRP for item 79 of -62 dBm/MHz will apply to the additional frequency band 6000–6800 MHz, as will the existing limitations in column 4 of item 79. These limitations are that transmitters must comply with ETSI Standard EN 302 065 Part 2, and must not be operated within the nominated distances of specified radio astronomy sites.
The limitation thatthe transmitter must comply with the ETSI standard is to ensure the limitations on out-of-band emission levels and requirements for the implementation of interference mitigation techniques apply. These limitations, combined with the low EIRP limit and the restriction to in-ground usage, serve to minimise the interference risk to existing services.
Building materials analysis transmitters
New item 80 of Schedule 1 to the LIPD class licence
The ACMA is proposing to add new arrangements for building material analysis systems complying with international standards operating in the band 2.2GHz–8.5GHz. These sensors are used in contact with materials to determine thicknesses, and to locate objects within the material. These devices are typically used to detect wall studs, wiring, pipework or nails within walls, floors to be worked on, or wood to be machined.
The proposed new item will provide for building material analysis transmitters with one or more emission spread across the permitted operating frequency band 2.2–8.5 GHz subject to the following limitations:
The transmitter must comply with ETSI standard EN 302 435 (see which is an international standard for building materials analysis equipment that includes detailed emission requirements and use of interference minimisation technologies in the devices. There is a related change to Schedule 2 to the LIPD class licence, to reflect the inclusion of EN302 435.
The transmitter must be operated in such a position that emissions are directed into the building material. This limitation minimises the level of signal radiated towards radiocommunications services, reducing the risk of interference.
The transmitter must not be operated within a nominated distance of a specified Australian radio-astronomy site. The nominated distances and specified radio astronomy sites are set out in the definitions section of the LIPD class licence. This limitation is designed to protect sensitive radio astronomy sites from interference by unwanted emissions of the device in operation.
The transmitter must not be operated in the 8400–8500 MHz band within the nominated distance of a specified SRS Earth station. The nominated distances and specified SRS Earth stations are set out in the definitions section of the LIPD class licence. This limitation is designed to protect sensitive space research Earth stations from interference.
Invitation to comment
Making a submission
The ACMA invites comment on its proposed variation instrument. Submissions should be made:
By email:
By mail:Manager
Spectrum Engineering Section
Australian Communications and Media Authority
PO Box 78
Belconnen Act 2616
The closing date for submissions is COB, Friday26 February 2016.
Electronic submissions in Microsoft Word or Rich Text Format are preferred.
Media enquiries should be directed to Emma Rossi on 02 9334 7719 or by email to . Any other enquiries may be directed to the Manager, Spectrum Engineering, by email to .
Effective consultation
The ACMA is working to enhance the effectiveness of its stakeholder consultation processes, which are an important source of evidence for its regulatory development activities. To assist stakeholders in formulating submissions to its formal, written consultation processes, it has developed Effective consultation—a guide to making a submission. This guide provides information about the ACMA’s formal written public consultation processes and practical guidance on how to make a submission.
Publication of submissions
In general, the ACMA publishes all submissions it receives. The ACMA prefers to receive submissions that are not claimed to be confidential. However, the ACMA accepts that a submitter may sometimes wish to provide information in confidence. In these circumstances, submitters are asked to identify the material over which confidentiality is claimed and provide a written explanation for the claim.
The ACMA will consider each confidentiality claim on a case-by-case basis. If the ACMA accepts a claim, it will not publish the confidential information unless authorised or required by law to do so.
Release of submissions where authorised or required by law
Any submissions provided to the ACMA may be released under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (unless an exemption applies) or shared with various other Commonwealth Government agencies and certain other parties under Part 7A of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005. The ACMA may also be required to release submissions for other reasons including for the purpose of parliamentary processes or where otherwise required by law (for example, under a court subpoena). While the ACMA seeks to consult submitters of confidential information before that information is provided to another party, the ACMA cannot guarantee that confidential information will not be released through these or other legal means.
Privacy
The Privacy Act 1988 imposes obligations on the ACMA in relation to the collection, security, quality, access, use and disclosure of personal information. These obligations are detailed in the Australian Privacy Principles that apply to organisations and Australian Government agencies.
The ACMA may only collect personal information if it is reasonably necessary for, or directly related to, one or more of its functions or activities.
The purposes for which personal information is being collected (such as the names and contact details of submitters) are to:
contribute to the transparency of the consultation process by clarifying, where appropriate, whose views are represented by a submission
enable the ACMA to contact submitters where follow-up is required or to notify them of related matters (except where submitters indicate they do not wish to be notified of such matters).
The ACMA will not use the personal information collected for any other purpose, unless the submitter has provided their consent or the ACMA is otherwise permitted to do so under the Privacy Act.
Submissions in response to this paper are voluntary. As mentioned above, the ACMA generally publishes all submissions it receives, including any personal information in the submissions. If a submitter has made a confidentiality claim over personal information, which the ACMA has accepted, the submission will be published without that information. The ACMA will not release the personal information unless authorised or required by law to do so.
If a submitter wishes to make a submission anonymously or use a pseudonym, they are asked to contact the ACMA to see whether it is practicable to do so in light of the subject matter of the consultation. If it is practicable, the ACMA will notify the submitter of any procedures that need to be followed and whether there are any other consequences of making a submission in that way.
Further information on the Privacy Act and the ACMA’s privacy policy is available at The privacy policy contains details about how an individual may access personal information about them that is held by the ACMA, and seek the correction of such information. It also explains how an individual may complain about a breach of the Privacy Act and how the ACMA will deal with such a complaint.
acma|1
[1] A copy of the class licence is available at
[2] For example, low power and operation over short distances (relative to other services operating in the same spectrum), low duty cycle of transmissions, low spectral density compared to other services or that use is limited to indoors mitigating the potential to cause interference to other devices.