eHam.net News

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WIA Submission for Allocation at 70 MHz:

Posted: 06 Aug 2016 05:41 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/37325


The WIA has lodged a submission with the Australian Communications and
Media Authority (ACMA) concerning interest in an amateur allocation in the
70 MHz band. On 22 June 2016, the Australian Communications and Media
Authority (ACMA) opened consultation on proposed updates to frequency plans
for the 70.0-87.5 MHz and 148-174 MHz VHF bands, with a closing date of 1
August 2016. You get little time to respond to government consultations
these days. The ACMA is proposing to update its Radiocommunications
Assignment and Licensing Instruction document, which covers these VHF
bands, known as RALI MS 42. As the WIA had signified interest in a 70 MHz
amateur allocation to the ACMA back in July 2014, the Spectrum Strategy
Committee decided that a submission to this consultation was in order,
principally to flag the amateur radio community's interest. Historically,
the 70.0-87.5 MHz band has been used by commercial, community, government
and defence communications services. However, the WIA has been aware for
some time that interest in, and use of, 70.0-70.5 MHz has declined across
Australia. There is also a Low Interference Potential (LIPD) band at
70-70.24375 MHz, with a maximum permitted power of 100 mW.