{"id":"F2007L04665","name":"Radiocommunications (Digital Radio Channels — Western Australia) Plan 2007","slug":"radiocommunications-digital-radio-channels-western-australia-plan-2007","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":71035,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2007L04665-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Designated BSA radio area","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Designated BSA radio area","content":"## Designated BSA radio area\n\n Perth RA1","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"Table 1 Frequency channels","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Table 1 Frequency channels","content":"## Table 1 Frequency channels\n\n| Column 1Multiplex Name | Column 2Frequency block | Column 3Reserved frequency block | Column 4Centre frequency (MHz) | Column 5Category | Column 6Technical Specification Number | Column 7Technical Specifications (Attachment number) |\n| ---------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ---------------- | -------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |\n| Perth 1 | 9B | No | 204.640 | 1 | TS1132978 | 1.1 |\n| Perth 2 | 9C | Yes | 206.352 | 3 | TS1132979 | 1.2 |","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Table 2 Number of licences to be issued","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Table 2 Number of licences to be issued","content":"## Table 2 Number of licences to be issued\n\n| Column 1Licence Category | Column 2Number of licences |\n| ------------------------ | -------------------------- |\n| Category 1 | 1 |\n| Category 2 | 0 |\n| Category 3 | 1 |","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"Attachment 1.1 Multiplex Perth 1","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Attachment 1.1 Multiplex Perth 1","content":"## Attachment 1.1 Multiplex Perth 1\n\n```html\n

Column 1

Technical specification

Column 2

Details

Category

1

General Area Served

Perth

Mode

DAB

Specification number

TS1132978

Transmitter Site

Nominal Location

ABW2 Mast

Television Road

BICKLEY

Australian Map Grid Reference 1966

Zone Easting Northing

50 413397 6457863

Site Tolerance

Refer to technical planning guidelines

Emission

Frequency Band

VHF

Centre Frequency

204.640 MHz (Frequency Block 9B)

Polarisation

Vertical

Maximum antenna height

137 m

Output Radiation Pattern

Bearing or sector

(clockwise direction)

Maximum ERP

0°T – 40°T

50 kW

40°T – 60°T

25 kW

60°T – 120°T

12.5 kW

120°T – 145°T

25 kW

145°T – 360°T

50 kW

\n```","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"Attachment 1.2 Multiplex Perth 2","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Attachment 1.2 Multiplex Perth 2","content":"## Attachment 1.2 Multiplex Perth 2\n\n```html\n

Column 1

Technical specification

Column 2

Details

Category

3

General Area Served

Perth

Mode

DAB

Specification number

TS1132979

Transmitter Site

Nominal Location

ABW2 Mast

Television Road

BICKLEY

Australian Map Grid Reference 1966

Zone Easting Northing

50 413397 6457863

Site Tolerance

Refer to technical planning guidelines

Emission

Frequency Band

VHF

Centre Frequency

206.352 MHz (Frequency Block 9C)

Polarisation

Vertical

Maximum antenna height

137 m

Output Radiation Pattern

Bearing or sector

(clockwise direction)

Maximum ERP

0°T – 40°T

50 kW

40°T – 60°T

25 kW

60°T – 120°T

12.5 kW

120°T – 145°T

25 kW

145°T – 360°T

50 kW

\n```\n\n \n\nSchedule 2 Mandurah RA1\n\n(subsection 4 (1))","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"Attachment 2.1 Multiplex Mandurah 1","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Attachment 2.1 Multiplex Mandurah 1","content":"## Attachment 2.1 Multiplex Mandurah 1\n\n```html\n

Technical specification

Details

Category

1

General area served

Mandurah

Mode

DAB

Specification number

TS12000551

Transmitter Site

Nominal location

Broadcast site

Turner Hill, Pinjarra, WA

Nominal coordinates (GDA94)

Latitude Longitude

32.6503779º S 115.9896012º E

Emission

Frequency block

8C

Centre frequency

199.360 MHz

Polarisation

Vertical

Maximum antenna height

40 m

Output radiation pattern

Bearing or sector
(clockwise direction)

Maximum ERP

0 °T – 30 °T

2.5 kW

30 °T – 90 °T

1.25 kW

90 °T – 125 °T

2.5 kW

125 °T – 145 °T

5 kW

145 °T – 335 °T

10 kW

335 °T – 355 °T

5 kW

355 °T– 360 °T

2.5 kW

\n```","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"Attachment 2.2 Multiplex Mandurah 2","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Attachment 2.2 Multiplex Mandurah 2","content":"## Attachment 2.2 Multiplex Mandurah 2\n\n```html\n

Technical specification

Details

Category

3

General area served

Mandurah

Mode

DAB

Specification number

TS12000552

Transmitter Site

Nominal location

Broadcast site

Turner Hill, Pinjarra, WA

Nominal coordinates (GDA94)

Latitude Longitude

32.6503779º S 115.9896012º E

Emission

Frequency block

9C

Centre frequency

206.352 MHz

Polarisation

Vertical

Maximum antenna height

40 m

Output radiation pattern

Bearing or sector
(clockwise direction)

Maximum ERP

0 °T – 30 °T

2.5 kW

30 °T – 90 °T

1.25 kW

90 °T – 125 °T

2.5 kW

125 °T – 145 °T

5 kW

145 °T – 335 °T

10 kW

335 °T – 355 °T

5 kW

355 °T– 360 °T

2.5 kW

\n```","sortOrder":6}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a straightforward technical implementation instrument that matches its original purpose. It allocates specific digital radio channels for defined geographic areas in Western Australia, which is precisely what the enabling legislation (Radiocommunications Act 1992) authorises. The plan covers exactly two broadcast areas (Perth and Mandurah) with no expansion beyond the stated scope."},"complexity_factors":["Highly technical content with 4 separate transmitter specifications containing precise engineering parameters","Extensive use of acronyms and specialised terminology (DAB, ERP, VHF, AMG, GDA94, multiplex, frequency block)","Tabular data structure with 7 columns in main frequency table and multiple nested tables for technical attachments","Geospatial coordinate systems referenced (Australian Map Grid 1966 and GDA94) requiring survey knowledge","Directional power restrictions requiring interpretation of compass bearings (0°T–360°T) with varying kilowatt limits per sector","Cross-references to external technical planning guidelines not contained in the instrument","Licensing categories (1, 2, 3) defined elsewhere in the Radiocommunications Act, not explained in this document"],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument sets technical rules for DAB digital radio in Perth and Mandurah: it allocates frequency blocks, fixes transmitter sites, and prescribes directional power limits to prevent interference. \n\nIt affects radio broadcasters (who must meet these parameters), the ACMA (which issues licences consistent with the plan), and listeners by enabling orderly, compatible digital radio services in those areas."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument is narrowly focused on allocating digital radio (DAB) channels and specifying technical operating parameters for two Western Australian service areas (Perth and Mandurah). Its content is consistent with a technical spectrum‑allocation instrument — it does not broaden the regulator's functions or add unrelated powers. There is no indication in the text provided that the Plan has materially expanded beyond its original purpose of designating channels, fixing technical parameters, and setting licence counts."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple schedules and attachments (Perth RA1 Schedule and Mandurah RA1 Schedule with separate attachments)","Several technical specification documents referenced by number (TS1132978, TS1132979, TS12000551, TS12000552) requiring cross‑consultation","Detailed sectorised ERP tables (multiple compass bearings with differing maximum ERPs) in each attachment","Use of two different coordinate/grid systems between attachments (Australian Map Grid 1966 for Perth; GDA94 for Mandurah)","Presence of a reserved frequency flag (reserved/non‑reserved) that affects allocation rules but without further detail in the Plan","Cross‑reference to external \"technical planning guidelines\" for site tolerance (external dependency)","Licence category system with numeric categories (1,2,3) and fixed licence counts, but the Plan does not define the operative meaning of each category within itself"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanically)\n\n- It designates specific digital radio channels (DAB multiplexes) and their technical parameters for parts of Western Australia (Perth RA1 and Mandurah RA1). The designation is laid out as frequency blocks, centre frequencies, whether a block is reserved, licence categories, and detailed transmitter technical specifications (location, antenna height, power by sector, polarisation). (See: Table 1; Table 2; Attachments 1.1–1.2; 2.1–2.2.)\n\n- For Perth RA1 it lists two multiplexes: \"Perth 1\" on Frequency Block 9B (centre 204.640 MHz, Category 1, TS1132978) and \"Perth 2\" on Frequency Block 9C (centre 206.352 MHz, Category 3, TS1132979). Table 2 for Perth RA1 specifies one Category 1 licence and one Category 3 licence (Category 2 = 0). (See: Table 1; Table 2; Attachments 1.1 and 1.2.)\n\n- For Mandurah RA1 it provides two multiplex technical specifications: \"Mandurah 1\" (Frequency Block 8C, centre 199.360 MHz, Category 1, TS12000551) and \"Mandurah 2\" (Frequency Block 9C, centre 206.352 MHz, Category 3, TS12000552). Each Mandurah attachment sets transmitter co‑ordinates, maximum antenna height, and sectorised maximum ERP (effective radiated power). (See: Schedule 2; Attachments 2.1 and 2.2.)\n\n- The Attachments include precise technical controls licensees must meet: nominal transmitter site and co‑ordinates (AMG66 or GDA94), maximum antenna height, polarisation (vertical), and detailed output radiation pattern (maximum ERP for specific compass sectors). Several entries refer licence holders to separate \"technical planning guidelines\" for site tolerance or planning detail. (See: Attachments 1.1–1.2; 2.1–2.2.)\n\n\nWho is affected\n\n- Radio broadcasters and potential multiplex operators who want to provide digital audio broadcasting (DAB) services in Perth and Mandurah. These entities must comply with the technical parameters if they obtain the licences.\n\n- The spectrum regulator / licensing authority that issues the licences must apply the Plan when allocating licences for these channels (the Plan constrains which channels are available and the technical envelope for operations).\n\n- Consumers are indirectly affected because the Plan determines how many digital multiplexes are possible in those areas and the technical reach of those services.\n\n\nWhy it matters (official purpose and practical consequences)\n\n- The document's technical purpose is to allocate and lock in specific DAB frequency blocks and to set the technical operating envelope for those blocks so that licences can be issued and interference between services can be managed. (See: Table 1; Attachments.)\n\n- In practice this determines how many multiplex licences will be offered (the Plan shows one Category 1 and one Category 3 in Perth; the Mandurah attachments describe one Category 1 and one Category 3 multiplex each), which directly affects market entry: how many operators can broadcast digitally in those service areas and under what technical constraints.\n\n\nCosts, incentives and trade-offs (what the Plan implies for markets and behaviour)\n\n- Who pays: prospective licensees bear the build and operating costs of transmitters and antennas that meet the specified site and power limits, and they bear compliance costs to ensure emission patterns and site limits match the Attachments. (See: Attachments 1.1–1.2; 2.1–2.2.)\n\n- Who decides: the licensing authority implements the Plan when issuing licences; the Plan fixes which frequency blocks and categories are available and the technical envelope licensees must follow.\n\n- Competition effects: the Plan caps the number of licences in the listed categories (for Perth the table shows Category 1 = 1 licence, Category 3 = 1 licence). Where a frequency block is shown as \"Reserved\" (Perth 2 shows \"Yes\" in the Reserved column) that reduces immediately available capacity for other applicants and concentrates the benefit on whomever the reservation is intended for (the Plan text notes the reservation but does not itself state who may use it). This restricts the pool of open commercial slots; the exact competitive impact depends on how licence categories are defined and administered by the regulator.\n\n- Technical constraints and substitution effects: the specified antenna heights, polarisation and sectorised ERP limit coverage footprints. That affects whether a single multiplex can serve a whole metropolitan area or whether additional transmitters would be required. Spectrum devoted to DAB via this Plan cannot be used for other services, which is an opportunity cost for other radio or wireless uses.\n\n- Compliance and implementation risk: licensees must meet sector‑by‑sector ERP limits and site co‑ordinates; they may need to coordinate with other services and adhere to separate technical planning guidelines referenced in the Attachments. If a licence holder cannot meet the stated technical parameters (site access, tower height, power), delivering service as intended may be delayed or require amendment to siting or technical plans.\n\n\nConcrete mechanisms of effect (section citations)\n\n- Frequency assignment and reservation: Table 1 sets Frequency Blocks 9B and 9C for Perth multiplexes and marks 9C (Perth 2) as \"Reserved\" (Table 1).\n\n- Licence counts: Table 2 lists the number of licences to be issued by Category for the relevant RA1 (Category 1 = 1; Category 2 = 0; Category 3 = 1) (Table 2).\n\n- Technical operating envelope: Attachments 1.1 and 1.2 (Perth) and Attachments 2.1 and 2.2 (Mandurah) set transmitter nominal locations, grid co‑ordinates (AMG66 for Perth, GDA94 for Mandurah), maximum antenna height, polarisation, and detailed maximum ERP by compass sectors (Attachments 1.1–1.2; 2.1–2.2).\n\n\nLimitations of the Plan as written\n\n- The Plan sets technical parameters and licence counts but does not in itself describe detailed administrative procedures for licence allocation (for example, auction, merit allocation, or eligibility criteria). It also refers to separate technical planning guidelines and external technical specification documents (TS numbers) that contain further detail; a prospective licensee will need those documents to fully assess feasibility and compliance.\n\n\nBottom line (practical takeaway)\n\n- This instrument fixes which DAB frequency blocks and multiplex technical parameters apply in Perth and Mandurah, and it limits the number and category of licences to be issued in those areas. Broadcasters and prospective multiplex operators should treat it as the binding technical and allocation envelope that the spectrum regulator will apply when issuing DAB licences in these Western Australian service areas. To act on it, an operator needs the referenced technical specifications and must budget for the compliance and build costs associated with the stated site co‑ordinates, antenna heights and sectorised ERP limits."},"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"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-digital-radio-channels-western-australia-plan-2007","history":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-digital-radio-channels-western-australia-plan-2007/history","analysis":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-digital-radio-channels-western-australia-plan-2007/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-digital-radio-channels-western-australia-plan-2007/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-digital-radio-channels-western-australia-plan-2007/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-digital-radio-channels-western-australia-plan-2007/documents"}}