15Protection requirements

15 Protection requirements

Receivers specified in AUS87 (1) Licensees of 2.5 GHz spectrum licences should have regard to radiocommunications receivers used for radio astronomy that are specified in Australian footnote reference AUS87 (AUS87 receivers). (2) Although the AUS87 receivers operate on a fortuitous basis, the ACMA encourages direct liaison between licensees of 2.5 GHz spectrum licences with the operators of AUS87 receivers, particularly during the system planning phase for new fixed transmitters to be registered under 2.5 GHz spectrum licences, to minimise the potential for interference to AUSS87 receivers. Licensees of 2.5 GHz spectrum licences should follow the notification arrangements specified for apparatus licensed radiocommunications devices set out in RALI MS 31. Receivers in 2655 MHz to 2690 MHz (3) No protection requirements are currently specified for radiocommunications receivers used for radio astronomy in the frequency band 2655 MHz to 2690 MHz. Receivers in 2690 MHz to 2700 MHz (4) Licensees of 2.5 GHz spectrum licences are to comply with the protection criteria for radiocommunications receivers in the frequency band 2690 MHz to 2700 MHz, to protect them from unwanted emissions in that band, set out in ITU-R Recommendation RA.769-2 “Protection criteria used for radio astronomical measurements”.

Note: The Paul Wild Observatory near Narrabri, New South Wales, and the Parkes Observatory near Parkes, New South Wales, operate radiocommunications receivers in the frequency band 2690 MHz to 2700 MHz. The details of these receivers are set out in Australian footnote reference AUS87 of the spectrum plan and in the Register.

(5) Historical ACMA studies suggest that coordination is typically necessary for fixed transmitters located within 100 kilometres of a protected radiocommunications receiver in the frequency band 2690 MHz to 2700 MHz. However, it should be possible to locate fixed transmitters to distances as close as 20 kilometres of these receivers, if appropriate antenna heights, antenna directions and power levels are used, and the terrain is appropriate. ARQZWA (6) Licensees of 2.5 GHz spectrum licences in areas adjacent to the ARQZWA should coordinate proposed stations using the methods and limits set out for apparatus licensees in RALI MS 32.