The WIA recently published their response to the ACMA five Year Spectrum Outlook (FYSO).
RASA’s view is that, in the current environment, any expansion to existing amateur allocations in Australia is highly unlikely. Indeed, we would suggest that there is no justifiable demand for additional allocations (other than 5MHz).
On this basis, RASA offers the following comments on the WIA submission (WIA sections in red).
2.1.1 HF Spectrum Demand
Congestion (particularly on the 7MHz band) from both legitimate and unauthorised illegal transmissions is often severe during times of increased ionospheric propagation.
The WIA intends to seek expansions to amateur bands in the 3-12MHz segment over the next 5 years for Australian amateurs, at least in alignment with international allocations, although the WIA acknowledges that this is a lower priority than other items proposed.
Comments
Large sections of the 7 MHz band are quiet, especially during the day, even on weekends. There is ample space available at peak usage times around late afternoon/early evening.
7200-7300 kHz is little used….
It is rare to hear more than one SSB conversation on the 10 MHz band during the day. Of course, the digital segment around 10136 kHz is very busy with FT8 stations…but that is only 3 kHz wide.
In general, the 40 and 30m bands are not particularly busy. Whilst there is some interference from Over The Horizon Radar, it certainly can not be classed as “harmful”* in the ITU sense.
Can we expand our allocations between 3 and 12 MHz?
80m – 3500-3700 and 3776-3800 kHz
As we have discussed previously, there are thousands of Australian commercial assignments from 3700-4000 kHz. As already confirmed by ACMA, there is no possibility of an expansion of 80m in the foreseeable future.
40m – 7000-7300
Australian amateurs already have access to the entire Region 3* allocation of 7000-7300 kHz. We don’t fully use what we have.
30m – 10100-10150 kHz
Again, we have access to the entire Region 3* allocation, and we are able to use voice modes….a privilege denied to our overseas colleagues.
We could increase our allocations through either the granting of an extension to the 40 and/or 30m bands and/or the establishment of new bands. However, this can only be accomplished at an ITU World Radio Conference….and this is a long, drawn out process* that will take at least a decade, if not longer.
So, as it stands, even if ACMA wanted to give us more bands, they can’t.
2.1.2 UHF/SHF Spectrum Demand
The overall impact has been a net 76% reduction in usable spectrum in many locations across Australia for many types of amateur service communications.
The WIA requests that future spectrum reallocation discussions give due consideration to maintenance of sufficient amateur spectrum, so activities such as amateur television can continue to operate with a level of certainty.
Comments
As we know, spectrum above 70cm is fantastically valuable. The ACMA recently auctioned spectrum for 5G mobile services in the 26 GHz band. The auctions generated $647M in revenue.
The amateur service has Secondary status in all of the UHF and SHF bands identified by the WIA.
Our Secondary status, combined with our very low levels of utilisation means that we can no longer justify large UHF/SHF frequency allocations in bands where we are a Secondary service (i.e. most bands above 2m…).
We acknowledge that this is unwelcome news, but it is the reality, unfortunately.
Alas, there is no room for sentimentality in UHF and SHF spectrum planning. There is simply too much money at stake.
Extension of operating privileges for AOCP(S) class licensees to include access to the 50-52 MHz band.
RASA has actively lobbied ACMA for access to 50-52 MHz by standard class amateurs since 2019. This is reflected in our submission to the recent ACMA consultation on licencing.
We are pleased the see that the WIA supports our position.
Primary status 7100-7200 kHz
The WIA requests the ACMA conduct a further review of the defined usage of 7100-7200 kHz in the Australian Radio Spectrum Plan.
Noting the proposed changes already being made to withdraw Broadcasting as a defined use of the 7100-7200kHz band in the draft 2021 spectrum plan, the WIA seeks to open discussions with ACMA on how the fixed and land mobile use could also be withdrawn from the band, elevating the amateur service to PRIMARY status in Australia. (The WIA notes that there is currently only one scientific licence assigned in this segment).
RASA raised this anomaly with the ACMA some time ago. We support this change, although we understand that the ACMA no longer allocate fixed and mobile services in this band.
Conclusion
As we have said in numerous articles, amateurs need to apply a pragmatic approach to our spectrum and the relationship with ACMA. We can’t just put a submission to ACMA asking for more bands with no reasoned justification.
ACMA use professional automated radio monitoring systems to inform their decisions on spectrum management. They understand the utilisation of various bands very well.
Bland, unjustified statements to the regulator that “use has increased” are simply not sustainable in a modern spectrum management environment.
Such claims serve only to diminish AR’s reputation with the regulator.
What amateurs need are facts, not spin and false hope.
RASA will continue to lobby the WIA for a more collaborative approach to sector communication with the ACMA. Indeed, at least two WIA Directors have indicated a willingness to open a line of communication.
As always, we welcome feedback and questions.
*For more information on ITU issues, see
https://vkradioamateurs.org/amateur-radio-spectrum-management/ and
https://vkradioamateurs.org/inside-the-itu/
The Radio Amateur Society of Australia
07 May 2021
PS Get on the air….!