The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released its response to the consultation on the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2025.
Summary:
- The instrument will commence on 1 October 2025.
- There is no major change to the way users of wireless audio devices interact with the LIPD Licence, other than
- Wireless multi-channel audio systems (WMAS) are now covered by the LIPD licence in the 520–694 MHz range
The class licence includes new arrangements for:
- wireless audio transmitters using wireless multi-channel audio system (WMAS) in the 520–694 MHz range
- frequency-hopping radiocommunications transmitters in the 5925–6425 MHz band
- digital modulation radiocommunications transmitters in the 5150–5250 MHz band
- RLAN radiocommunications transmitters in the 6425–6585 MHz band
- radiodetermination radiocommunications transmitters in the 13.4–14 GHz band
- radiodetermination radiocommunications transmitters in the 76–77 GHz band.
The AMA and several submissions from microphone manufacturers / distributors (Sennheiser, Shure, Jands) supported the proposed licence and the inclusion of WMAS. The Outcomes Paper summarises industry feedback and the ACMA response:
WMAS technologies for wireless audio transmitters
We proposed to introduce arrangements in the 520–694 MHz range to facilitate the use of
WMAS.
Submissions received
Eight submissions specifically addressed our proposal to introduce arrangements for WMAS technology in the 520–694 MHz band. Overall, the feedback was supportive, with 2 submissions raising concerns about allowing WMAS operation above 612 MHz. These stakeholders stated that enabling WMAS in this range could be seen as pre-empting future decisions regarding band planning in the 600 MHz band. They referenced previous instances where ACMA applied spectrum embargoes in situations of uncertainty and suggested that WMAS use be restricted to below 612 MHz. This approach, they argued, would help avoid the need to replan WMAS deployments if the 600 MHz band is later repurposed for other services.
ACMA response
The 617–698 MHz band is currently in the monitoring phase of band planning activities, as outlined in the Five-year spectrum outlook (FYSO). As detailed in the draft FYSO 2025–30, the government has indicated plans to explore future options for television broadcasting, which may involve reassessing its spectrum requirements.
To avoid pre-empting this government process, we do not intend to restrict the frequency range available for WMAS devices. Spectrum embargoes are used to limit the issuing of new apparatus licences within a band. At this time, there is no plan to limit existing licences for other users in the band. WMAS devices are expected to have a lower market penetration compared to consumer-grade microphones, which already operate above 612 MHz. WMAS is primarily used in high-end Program Making and Special Events (PMSE) and professional audio applications. These systems are typically dynamically tuneable and, depending on individual products’ overall tuning range, are likely to be adaptable to retuning if future band planning changes occur.
As consulted, arrangements for WMAS in the 520–694 MHz band will be incorporated into
the 2025 LIPD Class Licence.
