Australian spectrum allocation arrangements are, at their broadest level, embodied in a statutory instrument known as the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan (the Spectrum Plan).

The Spectrum Plan divides the radiofrequency spectrum into frequency bands, and specifies the purposes for which the bands may be used, in accordance with the requirements of section 30 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. It is intended to:

• provide a basis for management of the radiofrequency spectrum in Australia;
• inform radiocommunication users about the services allocated to each frequency band, and of any conditions attached to those allocations;
• reflect Australia’s treaty obligations as a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); and
• provide details of international frequency allocations agreed by the ITU for the three world regions as contained in the ITU Radio Regulations. ACMA Media Release 102/2008 and Issue 34 – September 2008 of ACMAsphere provided information pertaining to the frequency allocations agreed to by the ITU at the 2007 World Radiocommunications Conference in Geneva.

The Australian radio frequency allocations chart illustrates how the radio-frequency spectrum is allocated among services in Australia. It is available to download as a pdf here.