Apparatus Licences in Australia
- 3 min reading time
What is an Apparatus Licence?
An apparatus licence grants permission to operate specific radiocommunications transmitters or receivers at designated locations or within specified areas. These licences can be either assigned or non-assigned, depending on the nature of the radio equipment and its intended use. Prohibited equipment cannot be licensed.
Who Can Apply for an Apparatus Licence?
Apparatus licences are available to:
- Individuals
- Governments
- Incorporated companies
A licence can only be issued to a single entity, except in special cases where multiple individuals may be listed. A person cannot be:
- A trust (only a trustee can hold a licence for a trust)
- An unincorporated association
- A superannuation fund
- A business name
Licence Period
An apparatus licence is typically issued for one year, but in some cases, it may be granted for up to 20 years. Requests for longer-term licences are reviewed individually by ACMA.
Renewal Process
ACMA sends two notices when a licence is due for renewal:
- Validation Notice: A reminder that your licence renewal is approaching, allowing you to make any necessary changes before renewal.
- Renewal Notice: The final notice requiring payment to maintain the licence.
Changes, transfers, or cancellations cannot be processed during the renewal period. You must pay the renewal fee in full before any modifications can be made. Licence renewal is not automatic, and action must be taken by the licence holder. Once issued, a licence remains valid unless:
- The holder voluntarily surrenders it.
- The holder violates licence conditions.
- The holder breaks relevant laws.
ACMA's policy on apparatus licences outlines circumstances in which ACMA may refuse to issue or renew a licence.
Types of Apparatus Licences
1. Transmitter Licences
A transmitter licence is required to operate a radiocommunications device unless it falls under a class licence. The following types exist:
- Aeronautical Licence: For ground stations communicating with aircraft.
- Aircraft Licence: For radio equipment fixed to an aircraft.
- Amateur Apparatus Licence: For hobby radio and technical experimentation.
- Area-wide Licence: Covers multiple devices in a specified geographic area and frequency band.
- Broadcasting Licence: For transmitting TV and radio programs to the public.
- Defence Licence: Exclusively for Defence operations.
- Earth Licence: For earth stations communicating with space stations.
- Fixed Licence: For transmitters in fixed locations.
- Land Mobile Licence: Covers fixed-to-mobile or mobile-to-mobile transmissions.
- Low Power Open Narrowcasting (LPON) Licence: For niche radio broadcasting services.
- Maritime Coast Licence: Covers radio equipment using maritime frequencies on land.
- Maritime Ship Licence: Covers radio equipment using maritime frequencies on water.
- Outpost Licence: For emergency radio services in remote areas.
- Public Telecommunications Service Licence: For mobile telecom service stations.
- Radiodetermination Licence: For equipment using radio waves to locate or track objects.
- Scientific Licence: For research and testing of radio waves and radiocommunications equipment.
- Space Licence: For space stations communicating with earth stations.
2. Receiver Licences
A receiver licence is only required when an assigned frequency is needed. The types include:
- Defence Receive Licence: For Defence operations.
- Earth Receive Licence: For receivers in earth stations.
- Fixed Receive Licence: For receivers in fixed locations.
- Major Coast Receive Licence: For maritime coast station receivers.
- Space Receive Licence: For receivers in space stations.
How to Apply for an Apparatus Licence
D2X Communications specialises in assisting clients with obtaining apparatus licences. As an ACMA-accredited provider for General Licensing, we help streamline the application process, ensuring compliance with regulations and a smooth experience. Contact us today to discuss your licensing needs!