The Radiocommunications (27 MHz Handphone Stations) Class Licence 2015 is set to expire on October 1, 2025, in accordance with Part 4, Chapter 3 of the Legislation Act 2003, which mandates that most legislative instruments expire 10 years after registration.
Regulatory Decision
Following a review, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has determined that the 27 MHz radiotelephone station licence is no longer required. The license will not be renewed due to:
- Lack of active users—no evidence suggests these devices are still in use.
- No new manufacturing or sales—27 MHz radiotelephones have been replaced by modern alternatives.
- Absence of public inquiries or complaints—indicating minimal impact on users.
The class licence previously authorized the operation of 27 MHz radiotelephone stations, defining their technical parameters, operating conditions, and standards. However, with advances in communication technologies, these devices have become obsolete.
Why This Change Matters
The phase-out of the 27 MHz class licence reflects the natural transition to superior technologies, including:
- Citizen band (CB) radios
- Mobile phones
- Satellite phones
- Emergency locator devices
These alternatives offer better coverage, reliability, and functionality, making 27 MHz radiotelephones redundant. The absence of public concerns and the availability of modern solutions mean that the regulatory impact is considered medium.
Who Is Affected?
Existing users of 27 MHz radiotelephones (if any)
Manufacturers & vendors of radiotelephone equipment
Regulatory authorities & spectrum managers
Conclusion
The decision to let the licence lapse has minimal impact, as most users have already transitioned to modern communication systems. Any remaining users must migrate to alternative technologies before October 2025.
Regulatory Impact Overview
- Top Priority: ✅ Yes
- Type of Certificate Affected: ✅ Yes
- Spectrum Bands Impacted: ✅ Yes
- Standard Changes: ✅ Yes
No Impact on Product Changes, Labeling, or Import HS Codes.
This marks the end of an era for 27 MHz radiotelephones, aligning Australia’s communication landscape with modern technological advancements.
