Radiocommunications (Radio-controlled Models) Class Licence 2025

The instrument builds on a small set of core regulatory concepts: class licence authorisation, spatially and numerically defined frequency channels, EIRP limits, non-interference obligations, and electromagnetic exposure (EME) compliance tied to the ARPANSA Standard and to equipment rules.

Class licence authorisation: The instrument is a class licence that authorises persons, without the need for individual licences, to operate radiocommunications devices for controlling models of aircraft, landcraft and vessels (s 6). The power to make it is expressly drawn from s 132 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (s 3).

Frequency bands and endpoints: Two defined bands are central: the “29 MHz band” (29.72 MHz to 30 MHz) and the “36 MHz band” (36 MHz to 36.6 MHz) (s 4(1) definitions). Section 4(2) provides an interpretive rule for parts of the spectrum: a reference to a part of the spectrum or frequency band includes “all frequencies that are greater than but not including the lower frequency, up to and including the higher frequency.” That is, lower endpoints are exclusive and upper endpoints are inclusive. This interpretive rule changes how numerically stated band end‑points are read and is important when confirming whether a particular nominal frequency is inside the band.

Channel arithmetic and integer constraints: For operation in the 36 MHz band, the instrument requires use of discrete frequencies calculated by formulas. The “35.99 + n(0.02) MHz” formula applies to model vessels and may apply to aircraft; the “36 + n(0.02) MHz” formula is an alternative allowed for aircraft only. The variable n is constrained to integer ranges in each formula: for the 35.99 formula n is 1-30; for the 36 formula n is 1-29 (s 8(3)-(5)). These formulas define a channel grid spaced at 20 kHz and set discrete permissible operating frequencies within the broader band.

Power (EIRP) envelope: The instrument sets a narrow radiated power envelope: EIRP must be greater than 300 mW and equal to or less than 1 W (s 8(6)). The instrument references EIRP as defined in other instruments or determinations (s 4(1) Note 2), so the technical definition aligns with the definitions used in the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 or a replacing instrument.

Non‑interference rule and ACMA protection: The operator must not operate if the operation causes interference to radiocommunications (s 7). The instrument notes s197 of the Act on conduct causing substantial interference is relevant (s 7 Note 1) and states the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will generally not afford protection from interference to radiocommunications involving a device operated under this instrument (s 7 Note 2). That indicates the class licence does not create a protected rights regime against interference from others, and operators bear exposure to interference constraints.

EME and ARPANSA Standard linkage: Section 9 imposes a mandatory EME compliance condition where equipment rules do not prescribe the EME standard. If the device or a group of devices, when operated, would not comply with the basic restrictions for general public exposure identified in the ARPANSA Standard, operation is forbidden (s 9(1)-(2)). The instrument points readers to the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 and to the possibility that a later instrument might replace those rules (s 9(2) definitions and note).

Interpretation rules for instruments: Section 5 establishes how references to other legislative instruments and other writings are to be read , as references to the instrument as in force from time to time (s 5). The instrument therefore imports future amendments to referenced instruments unless a contrary intention appears.

Cumulative conditions: Section 4(3) states that no condition in the instrument limits any other condition. In practice this requires operators to satisfy every condition concurrently; a breach of any condition would mean the class licence authorisation is not met.

Primary affected persons are people who operate radiocommunications devices to control model aircraft, model landcraft (land-based vehicles) and model vessels (s 6; s 4(1) definition of landcraft). The authorisation and conditions apply to any person exercising remote radio control of such models using a radiocommunications device. The instrument does not distinguish by commercial or recreational use: the text authorises “a person” generically (s 6), so both hobbyists and commercial operators fall within its scope if they use devices that fit the technical constraints.

Manufacturers and importers are indirectly affected because the instrument limits permissible equipment characteristics for class-licensed operation: devices used under this class licence must operate within identified frequency bands and channel grids, and must have EIRP in the specified range (s 8). If a manufacturer produces devices with EIRP below or above the stated envelope, or with carrier frequencies outside the allowed channels, those devices cannot be lawfully operated under this class licence in Australia. That affects product design choices and labelling for products marketed for use in Australia.

Retailers and distributors are affected insofar as the licence constrains what devices end-users can lawfully operate under the class licence. Devices intended for use under this class licence must be capable of operating on the specified channels and within the EIRP envelope. Retailers will need to ensure that product representations are accurate with respect to those constraints; the instrument’s cross‑references to equipment rules and EIRP definitions mean retailers will have to check instrument definitions and any equipment rules that prescribe EME standards (s 4(1) Note 2; s 9(2)).

Event organisers and site owners where radio-controlled models are operated are also affected in behavioural terms: operators on their sites must not cause interference (s 7) and must comply with EME basic restrictions if equipment rules do not prescribe otherwise (s 9). ACMA’s note that it will generally not afford protection from interference to devices operating under this instrument (s 7 Note 2) means site organisers cannot rely on ACMA to prioritise class-licensed devices over other spectrum users in resolving interference.

Regulators and compliance officers: the ACMA and other agencies implementing ARPANSA standards will need to interpret and apply the instrument in context with the Radiocommunications Act, the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021, and the ARPANSA Standard. Section 5 directs that references to other legislative instruments are to be read as in force from time to time, so ACMA’s operational guidance will need to reference current instrument versions.

Finally, other radiocommunications users in or near the defined bands are affected indirectly because the instrument creates a class of devices that will operate in the 29 MHz and 36 MHz bands with up to 1 W EIRP and without an expectation of protection from interference (s 7 Note 2). Those third parties may experience interference or may need to take steps to avoid interference.

Key duties are expressed as prohibitions and positive restrictions. They are obligations on any person operating a radiocommunications device to control a model. These duties operate together and are cumulative , s 4(3) states that no condition limits any other condition.

Duty not to cause interference: A person must not operate a device if the operation causes interference to radiocommunications (s 7). The instrument cross-refers to s197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 in a note (s 7 Note 1), making clear that conduct causing substantial interference, substantial disruption or substantial disturbance to radiocommunications is unlawful under the Act. The operator therefore has the duty to avoid causing harmful interference in practice.

Duty to operate within specified bands: A person must not operate a device otherwise than on a frequency in the 29 MHz band or the 36 MHz band (s 8(1)). Frequencies must be selected in accordance with the interpretive rule in s 4(2) (lower bound excluded, upper bound included). The duty to remain in these bands is absolute in the class licence context.

Duty to avoid 36 MHz band for landcraft: A person must not operate in the 36 MHz band to control a model landcraft (s 8(2)). That is an explicit exclusion for land-based models.

Duty to use specified channel formulas in the 36 MHz band: Where devices operate in the 36 MHz band, the frequencies must be those worked out through the instrument’s formulas. For model vessels the channel formula is 35.99 + n(0.02) MHz with n = 1-30; for model aircraft either 35.99 + n(0.02) MHz (n = 1-30) or 36 + n(0.02) MHz (n = 1-29) may be used (s 8(3)-(5)). The duty is to use those discrete frequencies rather than arbitrary points within the band.

Duty on EIRP: A person must not operate otherwise than with an EIRP that is greater than 300 mW and equal to or less than 1 W (s 8(6)). The duty imposes both an exclusive lower bound (>300 mW) and an inclusive upper bound (≤1 W).

Duty to comply with ARPANSA Standard where equipment rules are silent: If equipment rules do not prescribe the EME standard for the device, or for 2 or more devices in a group, the device or group must comply with the ARPANSA Standard’s basic restrictions for general public exposure when operated (s 9(1)-(2)). The instrument thus creates a contingent duty: check equipment rules; if they do not prescribe an EME standard, ensure compliance with ARPANSA basic restrictions.

Rights and implied limitations: The instrument provides a right to operate under a class licence, but only if all conditions are met (s 6 together with s 4(3)). The instrument does not grant a protected right against interference: ACMA will generally not afford protection from interference to radiocommunications involving devices operated under this instrument (s 7 Note 2). The right to operate under the class licence therefore exists but is contingent on meeting the technical, EME and non‑interference conditions and does not guarantee protection from other spectrum users.

Interpretation rights: Section 5 confers an interpretive approach to references to other instruments which allows operators to rely on up-to-date versions of referenced instruments and rules. This helps operators interpret EIRP definitions and EME obligations because the instrument explicitly ties those concepts to currently in-force instruments (s 5; s 9(2)).

The class licence instrument itself does not set out numeric penalties or an enforcement schedule; instead, it is made under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (s 3), and the instrument’s compliance obligations sit alongside enforcement powers and offence provisions contained in the Act and associated regulations. The instrument references s197 of the Act in a note in relation to interference (s 7 Note 1), signalling that offences and consequences related to causing substantial interference are governed by the Act. The instrument also references the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 and equipment rules more generally when prescribing how EME standards are to be treated (s 9(2); s 4(1) Note 2), bringing those instruments into the compliance frame.

Practically, enforcement will be conducted under the statute and the ACMA’s regulatory powers, not by the class licence itself. The instrument’s silence on penalty quantum means that to understand possible criminal, civil or administrative consequences for breach, a reader must consult the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and relevant subordinate instruments for specific offence provisions, infringement notices, and civil remedies. The instrument’s reference to s197 in the note makes the connection to the Act’s prohibition on conduct that will result, or is likely to result, in substantial interference, substantial disruption or substantial disturbance to radiocommunications (s 7 Note 1). Those provisions in the Act contain the operative offence elements and penalties; the class licence reiterates the non-interference obligation and cross-references the Act.

ACMA’s approach to interference: The instrument contains a specific administrative signal: “The ACMA will generally not afford protection from interference to radiocommunications involving a radiocommunications device operated under this instrument” (s 7 Note 2). That is not a statutory penalty but an enforcement and administrative-policy statement indicating the regulator’s likely treatment of conflicts. In practical effect, operators under this class licence should expect limited regulatory recourse if they experience interference and must not rely on the licence to secure priority against other spectrum users. Enforcement action on interference caused by an operator will be governed by the Act’s interference provisions.

EME compliance enforcement: Section 9 creates a duty to comply with the ARPANSA standards’ basic restrictions where equipment rules are silent, but the instrument does not set out inspection, measurement or certification procedures. Compliance with ARPANSA basic restrictions is an objective technical requirement; enforcement of contravention of that requirement would proceed under the Act’s enforcement framework and possibly under equipment rules that prescribe the EME standard (s 9(1)-(2); s 9 Note; see also s 4(1) Note 2).

Interaction with other enforcement instruments: Section 5 requires that references to other legislative instruments be read as those instruments are in force from time to time (s 5(a)). That means that if enforcement mechanisms or penalties in referenced instruments change, the compliance landscape for class-licensed operators may change without amendment to the class licence itself.

In short, the instrument sets duties; enforcement and penalties flow from the Radiocommunications Act and associated instruments that the class licence cross-references. Any enforcement action for contravention of the class licence conditions would be taken under the Act and regulations, not under penalty clauses inside this instrument.

This instrument is expressly made under section 132 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (s 3) and therefore operates within the Act’s regulatory framework. The instrument repeatedly cross-references other instruments and standards and contains interpretive notes explaining where to find them. Section 5 states that references to other legislative instruments are references to those instruments as in force from time to time, and references to other kinds of instruments or writings are to be read as in force or existing from time to time (s 5). That provision imports future amendments and replacements of referenced instruments into the compliance framework for operators.

Equipment rules and EME standards: Section 9 links EME obligations to both equipment rules and the ARPANSA Standard. If equipment rules prescribe the EME standard for a device, section 160 of the Radiocommunications Act applies (s 9 Note). If equipment rules are silent, the class licence requires compliance with the basic restrictions for general public exposure in the ARPANSA Standard (s 9(1)). The instrument therefore defers to the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 for the definition of “EME standard” and contemplates that a later instrument could replace those rules and define the term differently (s 9(2)). The net effect is that the EME compliance obligation is co‑regulated by the class licence and any applicable equipment rules.

Definitions and determinations under other Acts: Section 4(1) Note 2 indicates that some expressions used in the instrument may be defined in a determination made under subsection 64(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 (s 4(1) Note 2). That means terms like “Act”, “ARPANSA Standard” and “EIRP” could be determined or defined by ACMA instruments under the ACMA Act. Operators will therefore need to consult ACMA determinations and the ARPANSA Standard for technical definitions.

Radiocommunications Act offences and administration: The instrument’s non-interference condition is placed in the context of the Act’s interference provisions via a note referencing s197 (s 7 Note 1). Enforcement, penalties and administrative remedies for interference and other breaches of radiocommunications law are governed by the Act’s provisions rather than by the class licence alone. Operators must therefore understand the interplay: the class licence sets conditions of authorisation, and the Act sets enforcement mechanisms for breaches.

Inclusion of external standards: The instrument points users to external resources,ARPANSA Standard (via note to s 9), Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 (s 9 Note), and the Federal Register of Legislation (s 2 Note). It explicitly imports those materials into the legal framework by reference and requires compliance with technical standards that are maintained outside the instrument.

Interpretive rule for frequency bands: Section 4(2) provides a non-standard interpretive rule for frequency band descriptions: the lower frequency is excluded but the upper frequency is included. That interacts with any other legal instrument that mentions frequencies in the same way; operators should not assume inclusive lower bounds unless the other instrument says otherwise. Because the instrument imports definitions and rules “as in force from time to time” (s 5), interactions with other laws will evolve as those other instruments are amended.

Overall, the instrument functions as a targeted set of conditions sitting inside the Radiocommunications Act and its subordinate instruments, relying on external technical standards (ARPANSA) and ACMA determinations for precise definitions and operational detail. Compliance therefore requires reading the instrument alongside the Radiocommunications Act, the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 (or any replacement), the ARPANSA Standard, and any ACMA determinations under the ACMA Act.

The instrument itself contains a minimal recorded history within its text. It is titled the Radiocommunications (Radio-controlled Models) Class Licence 2025 (s 1). Section 2 states that the instrument commences at the start of 1 October 2025. No amendment schedule or prior versions are included in the text supplied. Section 5 establishes that references to other legislative instruments are to be read as those instruments are “in force from time to time” (s 5(a)), which means that amendments to referenced instruments will have effect for interpretation and application of this instrument without an immediate amendment here.

The instrument’s notes explicitly point to external documents that are likely to be updated from time to time: the ARPANSA Standard is identified by reference and the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 are mentioned as the source for the definition of EME standard, with an explicit caveat that “if a later instrument replaces those rules and defines the term - the later instrument” will apply (s 9(2) and note). That structure embeds an expectation of future change in related instruments and delegations, rather than providing a history of amendments to the class licence itself.

Because this instrument is made under s 132 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (s 3), if and when ACMA or the responsible authority issues revised class licences or variants, those instruments would typically be registered and may include amendment histories. The instrument’s own text, as supplied, contains no subsequent amendments nor does it record any transitional provisions or savings clauses. To track amendments to this instrument after commencement, readers must consult the Federal Register of Legislation where the instrument will be registered (s 2 Note).

The absence of an in-text amendment history means practitioners must rely on the Federal Register of Legislation and the usual statutory instruments search procedures for any post‑commencement changes. Section 5’s open reference rule (future versions of referenced instruments apply) reduces the need to amend the class licence when related standards or equipment rules change, but it does mean that the substance of compliance obligations may alter over time as those referenced instruments are amended.

The instrument contains no litigation history and names no cases. The text does not refer to any judicial decisions or administrative determinations that have interpreted or applied its terms. It does reference provisions of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 and the ARPANSA Standard as sources of related obligations (s 3; s 9(2) and note), but it includes no information about past disputes or litigation concerning those instruments as they relate to radio-controlled models.

For parties seeking precedents or prior judicial interpretation on issues likely to arise under this instrument,such as the application of non-interference obligations, measurement of EIRP, or interpretation of the ARPANSA Standard,the instrument does not itself supply case law. The enforcement and penalty mechanisms mentioned by reference to the Act (s 7 Note 1) would be litigated under the Radiocommunications Act framework in future disputes, but any such litigation post‑commencement is not recorded in the instrument.

Practitioners or researchers requiring litigation history will need to search case databases and ACMA administrative records after this instrument takes effect to locate disputes that interpret any of its novel features , for example the exclusionary lower band endpoint rule in s 4(2), the unusual lower EIRP bound (>300 mW) in s 8(6), or ACMA’s stated administrative approach to interference in s 7 Note 2. As of the instrument text supplied, none of those issues have an in‑instrument litigation record.

The instrument is short but contains several provisions that can trap users or those advising them if read superficially. The key “gotchas” are precise numeric boundaries, the cumulative nature of conditions, the conditional EME obligation, and the administrative note on ACMA protection.

Lower frequency endpoints are excluded: Section 4(2) provides that a part of the spectrum “includes all frequencies that are greater than but not including the lower frequency, up to and including the higher frequency.” That means a stated band of 36.00-36.6 MHz does not include 36.00 MHz, but does include 36.6 MHz. Practitioners should not assume inclusive lower bounds when checking whether a particular nominal frequency is permitted. For the 29 MHz band defined as 29.72-30 MHz, frequencies must be strictly greater than 29.72 MHz and may equal 30.00 MHz (s 4(1) and s 4(2)).

The EIRP lower bound is exclusive: Section 8(6) requires EIRP to be “greater than 300 mW and equal to or less than 1 W.” The lower bound is exclusive, meaning an EIRP of exactly 300 mW is not authorised under this class licence. This is a technical but important compliance trap: many consumer model radio systems are rated at or below 300 mW; those devices would not fall within the class licence unless their EIRP exceeds 300 mW but stays ≤1 W. Conversely, devices above 1 W EIRP are similarly excluded.

36 MHz band prohibition for landcraft: Section 8(2) expressly forbids operation in the 36 MHz band for model landcraft. That is an absolute prohibition under this class licence; operators of land-based models must use the 29 MHz band if operating under this instrument, subject to the EIRP and interference conditions. Failure to observe that exclusion will mean operation is not authorised by the class licence.

Discrete channel formulas and integer constraints: Operation in the 36 MHz band is not freeform. The instrument requires use of discrete frequencies computed by formulas with integer n ranges (s 8(3)-(5)). For model vessels only the 35.99 + n(0.02) MHz grid with n = 1-30 may be used. For model aircraft either that grid or the 36 + n(0.02) MHz grid with n = 1-29 may be used. The channel spacing is 20 kHz. Attempting to use frequencies not equal to one of the computed values breaches the class licence.

Cumulative obligations: Section 4(3) clarifies that “no condition in this instrument limits any other condition.” Practically this means an operator must comply with every condition concurrently. For example, compliance with EIRP limits does not excuse non-compliance with the ARPANSA basic restrictions if those apply; compliance with channelisation does not excuse causing interference. Breach of any one condition negates compliance under the class licence.

Conditional EME duty: The duty to comply with the ARPANSA Standard’s basic restrictions applies only where equipment rules do not prescribe the EME standard for the device (s 9(1)). If the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 or a replacing instrument does prescribe an EME standard for the device, that prescription takes precedence and section 9’s ARPANSA check may not apply (s 9 Note). Practitioners must therefore determine whether equipment rules for the specific device specify the EME standard before concluding whether the ARPANSA basic restrictions are the operative requirement.

ACMA protection not afforded: The instrument notes that ACMA will generally not afford protection from interference to radiocommunications involving a device operated under this instrument (s 7 Note 2). Operators should therefore not rely on formal ACMA prioritisation or guaranteed resolution of interference, and should expect that resolving interference may require private reconfiguration (changing channel, power) or compliance with the non-interference obligation rather than regulatory relief.

References to external definitions: The instrument points to the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 for the definition of “EME standard” and to possible ACMA determinations under the ACMA Act for other definitions (s 4(1) Note 2; s 9(2)). The operative meaning of terms such as EIRP or EME standard may therefore be supplied elsewhere and may change if those other instruments change. That can be a compliance trap if advisers review the class licence in isolation.

No penalty schedule in the instrument: Because the instrument omits penalty clauses, practitioners must consult the Radiocommunications Act for enforcement and penalty details. Treat the class licence obligations as authorising conditions and consult the Act for the consequences of breach.

Complying with this class licence requires a sequence of verifications and practical steps. Below is a practical, source‑grounded checklist tied to the instrument’s sections. This is not legal advice; it is a compliance roadmap based on the instrument text.

1. Confirm the activity and device fall under the class licence (s 6)

   • Ensure the operation is to control a model aircraft, model landcraft or model vessel. If the activity is not control of a model, this instrument does not authorise it (s 6).

2. Check commencement timing (s 2)

   • The instrument commences at the start of 1 October 2025. Ensure compliance dates and any transitions align with that commencement (s 2).

3. Verify frequency band membership (s 8(1); s 4(1), s 4(2))

   • If operating in the 29 MHz band, confirm the carrier frequency is strictly greater than 29.72 MHz and less than or equal to 30.00 MHz. The lower bound 29.72 MHz is excluded; 30.00 MHz is included (s 4(1) & s 4(2)).
   • If operating in the 36 MHz band, confirm frequency is strictly greater than 36.00 MHz and less than or equal to 36.60 MHz (s 4(1) & s 4(2); s 8(1)).

4. Respect the 36 MHz band exclusion for landcraft (s 8(2))

   • If the model is a landcraft, do not use the 36 MHz band; use the 29 MHz band instead (s 8(2)).

5. Use the permitted channel formulas in the 36 MHz band (s 8(3)-(5))

   • For model vessels, ensure the operating frequency equals 35.99 + n(0.02) MHz with integer n between 1 and 30 inclusive (s 8(3)(a); s 8(4)).
   • For model aircraft, use either 35.99 + n(0.02) MHz with n = 1-30 or 36 + n(0.02) MHz with n = 1-29 (s 8(3)(b); s 8(4)-(5)).
   • Verify that the device can be tuned exactly to one of those discrete frequencies; otherwise it cannot lawfully operate in the 36 MHz band under this licence.

6. Verify and set EIRP correctly (s 8(6); s 4(1) Note 2)

   • Ensure the device’s EIRP is strictly greater than 300 mW and ≤1 W. Devices rated exactly at 300 mW are not authorised under this instrument; neither are devices above 1 W (s 8(6)).
   • Confirm EIRP measurement and calculation conform to the technical definition as defined in the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 or any replacement instrument referenced by s 4(1) Note 2 and s 9(2).

7. Check equipment rules for an EME standard; if none, ensure ARPANSA compliance (s 9(1)-(2))

   • Determine whether the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 or other equipment rules prescribe an EME standard for your device. If they do, follow that prescribed standard and associated certification or testing paths (s 9 Note).
   • If equipment rules do not prescribe an EME standard, assess the device (or grouped devices) against the ARPANSA Standard’s basic restrictions for general public exposure and ensure compliance when operating (s 9(1)-(2)). Keep records of testing or design calculations demonstrating compliance.

8. Avoid causing interference and have response procedures (s 7)

   • As a pre-condition of operation, do not operate if the device causes interference to radiocommunications (s 7). Implement procedures to detect, mitigate and promptly cease transmissions if interference is suspected.
   • Because ACMA will generally not afford protection from interference to devices operated under this instrument (s 7 Note 2), plan for private mitigation actions: channel changes (within permitted lists), power adjustments (within EIRP bounds), or cessation if interference occurs.

9. Maintain documentation and consult current instruments (s 5)

   • Keep technical documentation demonstrating that the device operates on permitted frequencies, meets the EIRP envelope, and complies with EME requirements where applicable.
   • Regularly consult the Federal Register of Legislation and ACMA determinations for any changes to the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021, ARPANSA Standard, or ACMA determinations referenced (s 5). The instrument requires reading referenced instruments as in force from time to time.

10. Train operators and site managers

    • Train users and site managers to understand that the class licence imposes cumulative conditions (s 4(3)), an exclusive lower EIRP bound, specific channel grids in the 36 MHz band, and an ACMA policy that generally will not protect class‑licensed devices from interference (s 7 Note 2).
    • Establish pre-flight checks, a log of frequencies used, EIRP settings, and a rapid shutdown procedure in case of interference or EME concerns.

11. Engage technical expertise where necessary

    • Where EIRP calculation, ARPANSA exposure assessments, or precise frequency tuning is required, obtain a qualified RF engineer’s assessment and retain measurement reports to evidence compliance under s 9 and s 8(6).

12. Be prepared to consult the Radiocommunications Act for enforcement details (s 7 Note 1)

    • If enforcement or disputes arise, consult the Radiocommunications Act 1992 for the relevant offence provisions and ACMA enforcement powers referenced in the instrument (s 7 Note 1). The class licence itself does not state penalty amounts.

By following these steps, an operator can align on the specific, instrumentised requirements: permitted bands and discrete channels, EIRP bounds, ARPANSA-based EME compliance where equipment rules are silent, and a strict obligation to avoid causing radiocommunications interference.