7Background

7 Background

(1) A spectrum licence authorises the operation of radiocommunications devices within a part of the spectrum and in a geographic area. Interference occurring between adjacent spectrum licences consists of in-band interference across the geographic boundaries, and out-of-band interference across the frequency boundaries. (2) This interference is managed by creating emission buffer zones along the geographic and frequency boundaries of a spectrum licence, using a number of powers under the Act. Emission buffer zones may be created by, or as a result of, the following: (a) specifying out-of-area and out-of-band emission limits in the core conditions of the licence, which must be included in all spectrum licences (see section 66 of the Act); (b) a determination under section 145 of the Act, relating to unacceptable levels of interference and the registration of radiocommunications devices, and related licence conditions (see section 69 of the Act); (c) advisory guidelines under section 262 of the Act, about managing interference in specific circumstances. (3) This instrument: (a) provides protection to 2 GHz receivers from interference caused by: (i) radiocommunications transmitters operated under a class licence; or (ii) radiocommunications transmitters operated under a transmitter licence first issued under section 100 of the Act on or after 12 October 2017; or (iii) radiocommunications transmitters operated under a 2 GHz spectrum licence that were included in the Register on or after 12 October 2017; and (b) assists in the management of in-band and out-of-band interference by providing compatibility requirements for fixed receivers included in the Register that are operated under 2 GHz spectrum licences; and (c) sets out minimum receiver performance requirements that the ACMA will assume are met by a radiocommunications receiver, when considering whether to provide protection to the receiver in accordance with this instrument, so that the onus of managing interference is not solely placed upon the operators of radiocommunications transmitters. (4) This instrument is intended to provide guidance on the management and settlement of interference to 2 GHz receivers, caused by radiocommunications transmitters operated under another class, apparatus or spectrum licence issued under the Act. (5) This instrument should be used by spectrum licensees, apparatus licensees, and authorised third parties in the planning of services and in the resolution of interference. (6) This instrument does not prevent a person negotiating and implementing other protection requirements with other persons.