Question 1

Which frequency bands are unlicensed?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed frequency bands vary from country to country.  In Australia and New Zealand, the “License Free” frequency bands are mainly 2.4GHz, 5.8GHz, 60GHz.  Up until the early 2000’s, 2.4GHz was the only License Free band however the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) added the 5.8GHz band to the License Free frequencies as a way of assisting in mitigating the impending over population of radios in the 2.4GHz space.  Due to ACMA frequency restrictions on transmit power the 900MHz ISM band and the 24GHz band have very low achievable distance.

Question 2

What happens if you use an illegal frequency?

Accepted Answer

It is a criminal offence to operate an illegal transmitter, the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) will investigate the use of the frequency, what product is using the frequency and the party/parties involved.  The ACMA has monitoring and investigation powers under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.  They will initially ask that the system is changed to a different frequency or if this cannot be done, the equipment will need to be permanently shut down.  The repercussions range from seizure of equipment to infringements.

VIC

NSW

QLD

V60

All Outdoor Unlicensed Microwave