{"id":"F2020L01451","name":"Radiocommunications Advisory Guidelines (Managing Interference to Spectrum Licensed Receivers — 26 GHz Band) 2020","slug":"radiocommunications-advisory-guidelines-managing-interference-to-spectrum-licensed-receivers-26-ghz-","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":130676,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2020L01451-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"(subsection 12(2) and paragraph 13(1)(a)","sectionType":"section","heading":"(subsection 12(2) and paragraph 13(1)(a))","content":"# Schedule 1 Notional receiver performance level\n\n#### (subsection 12(2) and paragraph 13(1)(a))\n\n#### 1 Performance parameters\n\n (1) The notional level of performance for a radiocommunications receiver operating under a spectrum licence in the 26 GHz band in relation to interfering signals from a radiocommunications transmitter operated under an apparatus licence relates to:\n (a) adjacent channel selectivity;\n (b) receiver intermodulation response rejection; and\n (c) receiver blocking.\n (2) The performance parameters of a radiocommunications receiver are defined at the antenna connector port of the receiver unit, except for receiver blocking requirements at frequency offsets of greater than 1500 MHz. All frequency offsets are specified with reference to the upper and lower limits of the frequency bands of the spectrum licence under which the receiver operates.\n\n#### 2 Adjacent channel selectivity\n\n The adjacent channel selectivity requirement is 21.7 dB above the minimum wanted signal level and applies in the adjacent 50 MHz of the licence under which the radiocommunications receiver operates.\n\n> Note: When using the adjacent channel selectivity requirement to calculate the maximum tolerable interference level, the calculated level is the maximum power within the adjacent 50 MHz. For example, a receiver complying with the notional receiver performance level will be able to tolerate an interference power level of -63.3 dBm/50 MHz in the adjacent 50 MHz, measured at the input of the receiver.\n\n#### 3 Receiver intermodulation response rejection\n\n The receiver intermodulation response rejection level is 19 dB for each out-of-band signal at frequency offsets greater than or equal to 5 MHz from the upper and lower frequency limit of the licence under which the radiocommunications receiver operates.\n\n#### 4 Receiver blocking\n\n (1) The receiver blocking requirement is 27 dB above the minimum wanted signal level, and applies at frequency offsets greater than 50 MHz and less than or equal to 1500 MHz from the upper and lower frequency limits of the spectrum licence under which the radiocommunications receiver operates.\n (2) The receiver blocking requirement for unwanted signals within the -3 dB beamwidth of the receiver antenna and at frequency offsets of greater than 1500 MHz, is expressed as a root mean square field strength at the input of the receiver antenna of:\n (a) 0.36 V/m in the frequency range 0.03 GHz–12.75 GHz; and\n (b) 0.1 V/m in the frequency range 12.75 GHz–55 GHz, excluding frequency offsets of less than or equal to 1500 MHz from the upper and lower frequency limit of the spectrum licence under which the radiocommunications receiver operates.\n\n> Note: When using the receiver blocking requirement of 27 dB to calculate the maximum tolerable interference level at offsets greater than 50 MHz and less than or equal to 1500 MHz, a reference bandwidth of 50 MHz is to be used. For example, a receiver complying with the notional receiver performance level will be able to tolerate an interference power level of -58 dBm/50 MHz within the frequency offset of 50 MHz–1500 MHz, measured at the input of the receiver.\n\n#### 5 Receiver antenna and feeder losses\n\n The antenna gain and feeder loss recorded for a radiocommunications receiver in the Register should be used for coordination. If an antenna gain or feeder loss is not available in the Register, then an antenna gain (including losses) of 23 dBi in all directions applies.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Performance parameters","content":"#### 1 Performance parameters\n\n (1) The notional level of performance for a radiocommunications receiver operating under a spectrum licence in the 26 GHz band in relation to interfering signals from a radiocommunications transmitter operated under an apparatus licence relates to:\n (a) adjacent channel selectivity;\n (b) receiver intermodulation response rejection; and\n (c) receiver blocking.\n (2) The performance parameters of a radiocommunications receiver are defined at the antenna connector port of the receiver unit, except for receiver blocking requirements at frequency offsets of greater than 1500 MHz. All frequency offsets are specified with reference to the upper and lower limits of the frequency bands of the spectrum licence under which the receiver operates.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Adjacent channel selectivity","content":"#### 2 Adjacent channel selectivity\n\n The adjacent channel selectivity requirement is 21.7 dB above the minimum wanted signal level and applies in the adjacent 50 MHz of the licence under which the radiocommunications receiver operates.\n\n> Note: When using the adjacent channel selectivity requirement to calculate the maximum tolerable interference level, the calculated level is the maximum power within the adjacent 50 MHz. For example, a receiver complying with the notional receiver performance level will be able to tolerate an interference power level of -63.3 dBm/50 MHz in the adjacent 50 MHz, measured at the input of the receiver.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Receiver intermodulation response rejection","content":"#### 3 Receiver intermodulation response rejection\n\n The receiver intermodulation response rejection level is 19 dB for each out-of-band signal at frequency offsets greater than or equal to 5 MHz from the upper and lower frequency limit of the licence under which the radiocommunications receiver operates.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Receiver blocking","content":"#### 4 Receiver blocking\n\n (1) The receiver blocking requirement is 27 dB above the minimum wanted signal level, and applies at frequency offsets greater than 50 MHz and less than or equal to 1500 MHz from the upper and lower frequency limits of the spectrum licence under which the radiocommunications receiver operates.\n (2) The receiver blocking requirement for unwanted signals within the -3 dB beamwidth of the receiver antenna and at frequency offsets of greater than 1500 MHz, is expressed as a root mean square field strength at the input of the receiver antenna of:\n (a) 0.36 V/m in the frequency range 0.03 GHz–12.75 GHz; and\n (b) 0.1 V/m in the frequency range 12.75 GHz–55 GHz, excluding frequency offsets of less than or equal to 1500 MHz from the upper and lower frequency limit of the spectrum licence under which the radiocommunications receiver operates.\n\n> Note: When using the receiver blocking requirement of 27 dB to calculate the maximum tolerable interference level at offsets greater than 50 MHz and less than or equal to 1500 MHz, a reference bandwidth of 50 MHz is to be used. For example, a receiver complying with the notional receiver performance level will be able to tolerate an interference power level of -58 dBm/50 MHz within the frequency offset of 50 MHz–1500 MHz, measured at the input of the receiver.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Receiver antenna and feeder losses","content":"#### 5 Receiver antenna and feeder losses\n\n The antenna gain and feeder loss recorded for a radiocommunications receiver in the Register should be used for coordination. If an antenna gain or feeder loss is not available in the Register, then an antenna gain (including losses) of 23 dBi in all directions applies.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"(paragraph 13(1)(b))","sectionType":"section","heading":"(paragraph 13(1)(b))","content":"# Schedule 2 Compatibility requirement\n\n#### (paragraph 13(1)(b))\n\n#### 1. For the purpose of assessing compatibility with other radiocommunications services, the performance of a fixed radiocommunications receiver operated under a 26 GHz band spectrum licence is:\n\n (a) a minimum wanted signal level of -85 dBm per 50 MHz for more than 95% of the time in any 1 hour period; and\n (b) a wanted to unwanted ratio of 8 dB.\n\n#### 2. Logarithmic scaling should be used to find the appropriate level in alternative bandwidths.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"1. For the purpose of assessing compatib","sectionType":"section","heading":"1. For the purpose of assessing compatibility with other radiocommunications services, the performance of a fixed radiocommunications receiver operated under a 26 GHz band spectrum licence is:","content":"#### 1. For the purpose of assessing compatibility with other radiocommunications services, the performance of a fixed radiocommunications receiver operated under a 26 GHz band spectrum licence is:\n\n (a) a minimum wanted signal level of -85 dBm per 50 MHz for more than 95% of the time in any 1 hour period; and\n (b) a wanted to unwanted ratio of 8 dB.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"2. Logarithmic scaling should be used to","sectionType":"section","heading":"2. Logarithmic scaling should be used to find the appropriate level in alternative bandwidths.","content":"#### 2. Logarithmic scaling should be used to find the appropriate level in alternative bandwidths.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"Endnotes","sectionType":"section","heading":"Endnotes","content":"#### Endnotes\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nThe endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.\n\nThe following endnotes are included in every compilation:\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\nEndnote 4—Amendment history\n\nAbbreviation key—Endnote 2\n\nThe abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.\n\nLegislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4\n\nAmending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.\n\nThe legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.\n\nThe amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.\n\nMisdescribed amendments\n\nA misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.\n\nIf a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\n| ad = added or inserted | orig = original |\n| ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |\n| am = amended | par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s) |\n| amdt = amendment | /sub‑subparagraph(s) |\n| c = clause(s) | pres = present |\n| C[x] = Compilation No. x | prev = previous |\n| Ch = Chapter(s) | (prev…) = previously |\n| def = definition(s) | Pt = Part(s) |\n| Dict = Dictionary | r = regulation(s)/rule(s) |\n| disallowed = disallowed by Parliament | reloc = relocated |\n| Div = Division(s) | renum = renumbered |\n| exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have | rep = repealed |\n| effect | rs = repealed and substituted |\n| F = Federal Register of Legislation | s = section(s)/subsection(s) |\n| gaz = gazette | Sch = Schedule(s) |\n| LA = Legislation Act 2003 | Sdiv = Subdivision(s) |\n| LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003 | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |\n| (md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment | SR = Statutory Rules |\n| cannot be given effect | Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s) |\n| mod = modified/modification | SubPt = Subpart(s) |\n| No. = Number(s) | underlining = whole or part not |\n| o = order(s) | commenced or to be commenced |\n| Ord = Ordinance | |\n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\n| Name | Registration | Commencement | Application, saving and transitional provisions |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |\n| Radiocommunications Advisory Guidelines (Managing Interference to Spectrum Licensed Receivers — 26 GHz Band) 2020 | 23 November 2020(see F2020L01451) | 24 November 2020 | |\n| Communications (Interpretation) (Consequential Amendments) Instrument 2025 | 14 March 2025(see F2025L00361) | 31 March 2025 | |\n| | | | |\n| | | | |\n\n> Note: Endnote 4—Amendment history\n\n```html\n

Provision affected

How affected

s.2.....................

rep. LA 48D

s.4.....................

am. F2025L00361

\n```","sortOrder":9}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument defines technical performance and compatibility assessment criteria for receivers in the 26 GHz band; it does not expand or narrow the categories of licences regulated. It prescribes measurement points, thresholds and coordination inputs (antenna gain/feeder loss) but does not change which activities fall under the licensing framework."},"complexity_factors":["Numerical technical thresholds across multiple metrics (dB levels, dBm, V/m) requiring engineering assessment.","Multiple frequency‑offset regimes with different rules: >=5 MHz (intermodulation), >50–<=1500 MHz (blocking, 27 dB, 50 MHz reference bandwidth), >1500 MHz (field strength limits), and adjacent 50 MHz (21.7 dB).","Different measurement points and units: antenna‑connector referenced power vs field strength at antenna input (V/m) for some offsets (see Sch.1 cl.1(2), cl.4(2)).","Reliance on Register entries for antenna gain and feeder loss, with a flat default of 23 dBi if not recorded (Sch.1 cl.5).","Coordination and compatibility calculations prescribe reference bandwidths and logarithmic scaling for other bandwidths (Sch.1 notes; Sch.2 cl.2), creating calculation and compliance burden.","Interplay between spectrum licences (protected receivers) and apparatus licences (potential interferers) creates asymmetric incentives: transmitters bear mitigation costs when thresholds exceeded.","Exclusions and measurement caveats (eg. -3 dB beamwidth exclusion, offsets exclusions) increase room for interpretive or measurement disputes.","Amendment history annotations indicate the instrument has been edited (see endnotes), so users must track current text for compliance."],"plain_english_summary":"Sets notional receiver performance levels and compatibility criteria for fixed receivers in the 26 GHz band (adjacent‑channel selectivity 21.7 dB; intermodulation rejection 19 dB; blocking 27 dB; minimum wanted level −85 dBm/50 MHz; wanted:unwanted 8 dB). It applies to spectrum licence receivers and affects apparatus licence transmitters by fixing interference thresholds, measurement points, a default antenna gain (23 dBi) and reference bandwidths used for coordination — determining when transmitters must reduce power, relocate or apply mitigation."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: establishing technical parameters for 26 GHz spectrum licence receivers. The 2025 amendment (F2025L00361) appears to be a machinery amendment related to interpretation provisions (section 4 amended, section 2 repealed as spent), not an expansion of substantive scope. The instrument has not grown beyond managing interference in the 26 GHz band."},"complexity_factors":["Technical density: heavy use of decibel (dB) measurements, frequency offsets, and field strength values requiring engineering knowledge to interpret","Cross-referencing structure: provisions cite parent Act sections (subsection 12(2), paragraph 13(1)(a)) without reproducing them","Conditional logic: multiple frequency ranges with different rules (0.03–12.75 GHz vs 12.75–55 GHz, offsets ≤1500 MHz vs >1500 MHz)","Dual scheduling: two distinct schedules with overlapping but distinct purposes (Schedule 1 for interference management, Schedule 2 for compatibility assessment)","Assumed knowledge: terms like 'root mean square field strength', '-3 dB beamwidth', and 'logarithmic scaling' used without definition","Minimal but dense: only 7 substantive provisions across 2 schedules, but each packed with technical parameters"],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument sets minimum technical assumptions for receivers in the 26 GHz band used when assessing whether new transmitters will cause harmful interference. It applies mainly to spectrum‑licence holders and to apparatus‑licence transmitters that might affect their equipment.\n\nBy defining notional receiver performance (adjacent‑channel, intermodulation and blocking protection, plus a default 23 dBi antenna assumption and a −85 dBm usability threshold), it shapes approval decisions for new transmitters and thus affects 5G and fixed wireless deployment and interference protection expectations."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-advisory-guidelines-managing-interference-to-spectrum-licensed-receivers-26-ghz-","history":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-advisory-guidelines-managing-interference-to-spectrum-licensed-receivers-26-ghz-/history","analysis":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-advisory-guidelines-managing-interference-to-spectrum-licensed-receivers-26-ghz-/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-advisory-guidelines-managing-interference-to-spectrum-licensed-receivers-26-ghz-/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-advisory-guidelines-managing-interference-to-spectrum-licensed-receivers-26-ghz-/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-advisory-guidelines-managing-interference-to-spectrum-licensed-receivers-26-ghz-/documents"}}