2nd May 2025
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released a consultation paper proposing a new version of the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence (LIPD) to replace the current 2015 instrument. This licence allows certain classes of low-power radiocommunications devices, including wireless microphones and other wireless audio equipment, to operate without an individual licence. The current instrument is due to sunset on 1 October 2025.
While many provisions remain unchanged, the draft introduces structural changes, some spectrum rule clarifications, and new provisions for emerging technologies such as WMAS.
The AMA is considering the proposal and may respond with a submission. Members can contact us with feedback.
Summary of changes
There are no direct changes to the spectrum allocation for this class of license, which is a separate consideration of ACMA. The proposed 2025 license differs from the existing (2015) license in several ways:
| Area of Change | Description |
| Structural overhaul | Classes of transmitters now clearly separated |
| Indoor-only device classes | Restricted to permanent enclosed structures |
| WMAS authorisation | New provision in 520–694 MHz |
| ETSI standard references | Old standards updated |
| Same-spectrum allocation | No new spectrum added |
Frequency bands
This table compiles the frequency bands, classes of license, and Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) under the old and (proposed) new licenses:
| 2015 license | 2025 license | Both (no change) | ||||
| Class of Device (2015 license) | Frequency Band (MHz) | Key Limitations | Class of Device (2025) | Frequency Band (MHz) | Key Limitations (2025) | Max EIRP |
| Auditory assistance transmitters | 3.155-3.4 | Specific carrier frequencies: 3.175, 3.225, 3.275, 3.325 MHz | Auditory assistance transmitters | 3.155-3.4 | Same fixed carrier frequencies; no change | 60 µW |
| Auditory assistance transmitters | 41-42, 43-44 | Five specific frequencies in each range | Auditory assistance transmitters | 41-42, 43-44 | Same fixed carrier frequencies; no change | 1.3 mW |
| Wireless audio & auditory assistance transmitters | 88-108 | FM, max 180 kHz BW, no same-channel use in licence areas of broadcasters | Wireless audio & auditory assistance transmitters | 88-108 | Same FM and bandwidth restrictions; no change | 10 µW |
| Wireless audio transmitters | 174-230 | Max 330 kHz BW; prohibited in same-channel use in broadcaster coverage areas | Wireless audio transmitters | 174-230 | Same bandwidth and broadcaster coverage area restrictions | 50 mW (30.5 mW ERP) |
| Wireless audio transmitters | 520-694 | FM, max 330 kHz BW; prohibited in same-channel use in broadcaster coverage areas | Wireless audio transmitters | 520-694 | Same FM rules; same exclusion of broadcaster coverage areas | 100 mW (60.95 mW ERP) |
| Digitally modulated wireless audio transmitters | 520-694 | Max 330 kHz BW; prohibited in same-channel use in broadcaster coverage areas | Digitally modulated wireless audio transmitters | 520-694 | Same bandwidth and broadcaster restrictions | 100 mW (60.95 mW ERP) |
| Wireless audio transmitters | 1785-1800 | Indoors only <1790 MHz; comply with ETSI EN 300 422 or EN 301 840; avoid 1785 MHz ±1 MHz | Wireless audio transmitters (WMAS) | 520-694 | New WMAS class; must comply with EN 300 422-1 | 100 mW (60.95 mW ERP) |
| Indoor wireless audio transmitters | 520-694 | Indoors only; comply with ETSI EN 301 357 or EN 300 422 | Indoor wireless audio transmitters | 520-694 | Indoor only; EN 301 357 or EN 300 422 | 100 mW (60.95 mW ERP) |
