Australia Updates Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan

SG 166/25

The Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan Variation 2025 (No. 1), effective October 2, 2025, incorporates technical and regulatory developments from both national and international bodies.

In October 2025, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) released an update to the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan (ARSP) under legislative instrument F2025L01230. This framework defines how frequencies from 8.3 kHz to 420 THz are allocated across Australia, incorporating the latest International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations adopted at the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23).

The revised plan enhances flexibility for emerging technologies, improves spectrum sharing mechanisms between civil and government users and reinforces ACMA’s leadership in efficient spectrum management.

Key features of the 2025 ARSP update

• Harmonization with ITU Region 3 – aligns Australia’s frequency allocations with international standards, supporting seamless device operation across markets
• Support for emerging technologies – introduces technical refinements to accommodate innovation, including pre-6G networks and satellite-terrestrial integration
• Improved sharing mechanisms – strengthens coordination between civil and government spectrum users
• Flexibility for innovation – provides mechanisms for new technologies through ACMA’s Unspecified Services Policy, enabling lawful operation of emerging applications while maintaining protection for existing services

Structural and policy framework

The spectrum plan, published under section 30 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, provides the foundation for licensing, spectrum auctions and interference management in Australia.

Each frequency band is categorized by:

1. Primary and secondary allocations
2. ITU footnotes
3. Australian national notes

This approach gives ACMA flexibility to manage competing demands within an internationally harmonized framework.

Industry and regulatory implications

The 2025 spectrum plan delivers both regulatory clarity and technological opportunity for key sectors, including telecommunications operators, satellite service providers, IoT developers and defense communication systems.

International alignment ensures that devices designed for global markets can operate under Australian technical conditions, strengthening competitiveness and reducing compliance barriers.

Looking ahead

The ACMA Five-Year Spectrum Outlook (FYSO) 2026-2030 complements this update by outlining strategic priorities, including:

• Spectrum allocation for pre-6G
• Satellite-terrestrial integration
• Expansion of unlicensed spectrum
• Enhanced coordination frameworks

Recommendations

1. Industry stakeholders should review updated allocations and ensure compliance
2. Manufacturers should align product testing and certification with ITU Region 3 specifications
3. Policy bodies are encouraged to coordinate with ACMA’s FYSO to anticipate emerging demands

References

• Australian Communications and Media Authority, Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan 2025
• Commonwealth of Australia, Radiocommunications (Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan) Variation 2025 (No. 1), Federal Register of Legislation, F2025L01230
• International Telecommunication Union, Radio Regulations, Edition of 2023 (WRC-23)

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