The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released its Five-Year Spectrum Outlook 2026–31, outlining its spectrum management priorities and regulatory work program for the coming years.

While much of the document focuses on commercial telecommunications, satellite services and emerging wireless technologies, several developments are directly relevant to Australian amateur radio operators.

These include a potential change to amateur access in the 2300–2302 MHz band, proposed amendments to the amateur radio class licence, examination reforms, callsign arrangements and the possibility of higher transmission power limits in the future.

The ACMA has also published its response to submissions received during consultation on the draft outlook, providing further insight into the issues raised by the amateur radio community.

Here’s what Australian amateurs need to know.

2300–2302 MHz Amateur Spectrum Under Review

Perhaps the most significant development is the ACMA’s planned review of the 2300–2302 MHz frequency band, which is currently available to Advanced-qualified amateur radio operators on a secondary basis.

The band supports amateur experimentation, including Earth–Moon–Earth (EME) communications.

However, commercial telecommunications operators have expressed interest in accessing the additional 2 MHz of spectrum.

The adjacent 2302–2400 MHz band is already used for wireless broadband services. Its existing 98 MHz bandwidth falls just short of the 100 MHz channels that emerging 5G technologies can support.

In its response to submissions, the ACMA reported that three stakeholders supported converting 2300–2302 MHz to spectrum licensing for commercial wireless broadband use. The regulator intends to investigate the future use of the band, including whether it should be incorporated into existing 2.3 GHz spectrum licences.

Public consultation is planned for Q2 2027 (April–June).

Importantly, no decision has been made to remove amateur access. However, the proposal raises concerns about the long-term availability of this spectrum for amateur microwave experimentation and EME activity.

Sources: Five-Year Spectrum Outlook 2026–31, page 35 and page 62; Response to Submissions, pages 14–15.

Changes to the Amateur Radio Class Licence

The ACMA is preparing to consult on amendments to the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023 and the rules governing amateur examinations.

Since February 2024, Australian amateurs have operated under class licensing arrangements rather than holding individual apparatus licences for their amateur stations.

The ACMA says the proposed amendments are intended to improve clarity, streamline administration and strengthen the integrity of amateur radio licensing and assessment processes.

The review is expected to cover several areas, including:

• Amateur radio class licence conditions.
• Examination and assessment arrangements.
• Accredited assessor guidelines.
• Callsign policies.
• Qualification frameworks.

The ACMA plans to undertake consultation during Q1 2027 (January–March). At this stage, the documents do not detail the specific amendments that will be proposed.

Sources: Five-Year Spectrum Outlook 2026–31, pages 61–62; Response to Submissions, pages 29–30.

Amateur Radio Examination Reforms

Changes to amateur radio examinations are also on the agenda.

The ACMA has confirmed that work will commence on developing and reviewing examination syllabi, beginning with a syllabus specifically covering amateur radio regulations.

According to its response to submissions, this work is scheduled to begin in Q4 2026, with consultation on proposed syllabi to involve accredited assessors. One submission raised concerns about examination resit delays, syllabus design and the effectiveness of current assessment arrangements.

While the ACMA has acknowledged these concerns, the documents do not confirm changes to examination difficulty, pass marks or qualification requirements.

Nevertheless, the planned review could eventually affect how new operators obtain their amateur qualifications in Australia.

Sources: Five-Year Spectrum Outlook 2026–31, page 62; Response to Submissions, pages 29–30.

Higher Power Amateur Radio Operation Still on the Agenda

The possibility of allowing Australian amateur radio operators to use higher transmission power remains under consideration. The ACMA acknowledges that some operators are interested in transmitting above the current limits.

Since July 2023, certain high-power experimental activities have been eligible for authorisation through scientific licences. Examples include EME communications and specialised ionospheric propagation experiments.

However, the regulator has also identified the potential need for a separate mechanism to authorise higher-power amateur activities that are not accommodated by existing scientific licensing arrangements. The ACMA confirms that this remains part of its longer-term amateur radio work agenda.

Unfortunately, no timeframe has been provided for introducing broader high-power amateur radio arrangements.

The regulator says the timing of future reforms will be outlined in subsequent Five-Year Spectrum Outlooks.

Sources: Five-Year Spectrum Outlook 2026–31, page 62; Response to Submissions, page 30.

Repeater and Beacon Licensing Reforms Requested

Amateur repeater and beacon operators may also be interested in proposed changes to spectrum planning and licence conditions.

One submission requested a review of repeater and beacon planning arrangements, including amendments to RALI LM8, the ACMA’s relevant radiocommunications assignment and licensing instructions.

In its response, the ACMA stated that an update to RALI LM8 had already been completed and would be released shortly.

However, it indicated that further changes relating to repeater and beacon planning would need to be considered as part of a future update.

This means there is currently no confirmed timetable for the requested repeater and beacon reforms.

Sources: Response to Submissions, pages 26–27 and page 29.

6-Metre Band Restrictions Also Raised

The 6-metre amateur band was another area identified in submissions. In particular, concerns were raised about emission bandwidth restrictions within the 51–52 MHz segment.

The submission requested that the ACMA consider reviewing these restrictions as part of broader amateur radio regulatory reform.

The ACMA acknowledged the proposed reforms but did not commit to changing the 51–52 MHz restrictions or provide a timeframe for a review. For now, the existing arrangements remain unchanged by these documents.

Source: Response to Submissions, page 29.

Callsign Arrangements and VK9 Concerns

Australian amateur callsign arrangements are also expected to form part of the upcoming regulatory consultation.

A submission highlighted inequities affecting permanent residents of Australian external territories, particularly in relation to VK9 island callsigns.

The ACMA has specifically confirmed that these matters will be examined during the Q1 2027 consultation.

Another concern involved the recognition of documentation establishing an operator’s amateur radio qualification or status.

The ACMA has encouraged operators experiencing specific difficulties with documentation recognition to contact the regulator directly so the issues can be investigated.

Sources: Response to Submissions, pages 29–30; Five-Year Spectrum Outlook 2026–31, page 62.

Amateur Radio’s Role in Emergency Communications Recognised

The importance of amateur radio during emergencies was also highlighted during the consultation process.

Submissions discussing resilient communications and regional connectivity identified the potential role of amateur radio in providing self-reliant communications when conventional infrastructure fails.

This is particularly relevant to regional and remote Australia, where telecommunications infrastructure can be vulnerable to natural disasters and prolonged outages.

While the ACMA acknowledged these submissions within its broader discussion of communications resilience, the documents do not announce a dedicated new amateur radio emergency communications program.

Source: Response to Submissions, page 3.

What Happens Next?

Several important activities are scheduled over the coming months.

These timeframes relate to planned consultation or development activities and should not be interpreted as dates when regulatory changes will automatically take effect.

What Does This Mean for Australian Amateur Radio?

Overall, the ACMA’s latest spectrum outlook indicates that several amateur radio regulatory matters will receive attention during 2027.

The proposed review of 2300–2302 MHz is arguably the most significant spectrum-related issue, particularly for microwave enthusiasts and EME operators who currently use the band. Remember the old adage – “use it or lose it!“

The upcoming class licence consultation will also be important, providing an opportunity to examine existing administrative arrangements, callsign policies and the assessment framework introduced following the transition to class licensing.

However, operators hoping for immediate changes to high-power limits, repeater licensing or 6-metre restrictions may be disappointed. These proposals have been acknowledged, but there is no firm commitment to implement them during the current work program.

For the majority of Australian amateurs operating on HF, 2 metres and 70 centimetres, the documents do not announce changes removing access to those bands or reducing existing operating privileges.

As always, it will be important for amateur radio representative organisations and individual operators to participate in future consultations, particularly where existing spectrum access may be affected.

Sources and Further Reading

Both documents were published by the Australian Communications and Media Authority in November 2026.

1. Five-Year Spectrum Outlook 2026–31 and 2026–27 Work Program

Relevant sections:

• Pages 35–36: 2300–2302 MHz band review.
• Pages 61–62: Amateur radio licensing, higher-power operation and examination reforms.
• Pages 27–29: Band-planning work program and timelines.

2. Response to Submissions — Draft FYSO 2026–31

Relevant sections:

• Page 3: Amateur radio and resilient communications.
• Pages 14–15: 2300–2302 MHz consultation and commercial spectrum proposals.
• Pages 26–27: Repeater and beacon planning, including RALI LM8.
• Pages 29–30: Amateur radio regulatory reforms, examinations, callsigns, high-power operation and 6-metre restrictions.

For updates and future consultations, visit the ACMA Five-Year Spectrum Outlook page.