Radiofrequency spectrum

Radiofrequency spectrum (also referred to as spectrum) is an important and valuable resource. It cannot be created, duplicated or destroyed. At any one time only one user, or a relatively small number of users, can access a particular piece of spectrum without causing adverse interference problems.

Examples of this are radiocommunications devices and services that use specific parts of the spectrum for communication purposes, including two-way handheld radios, mobile phones, marine radio and wireless broadband.

To ensure the efficient and effective use and management of spectrum, Australia’s radiocommunications environment is governed by policy settings, legislation and regulations. The Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act) is the key piece of legislation relating to spectrum. The Act provides the primary guiding principles for the use of radiocommunications devices and services within Australia.

The department provides policy advice to the Australian Government on the development and maintenance of a comprehensive radiocommunications regulatory framework, taking account of international developments. The department works closely with the independent communications regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which is responsible, among other things, for the regulation of radiocommunications and for the licensing of spectrum. Under the Act, all spectrum in Australia is licensed by the ACMA.

Additional information on spectrum licensing is on the  ACMA radiofrequency web page.