You will need this licence if you intend to operate a radiocommunications apparatus which receives and / or transmits data.
You can apply for an apparatus licence in each of the following categories of transmitter licences:
- aeronautical
- aircraft
- amateur and overseas amateur
- broadcasting
- datacasting
- earth
- fixed
- land mobile
- maritime coast
- maritime ship
- maritime ship station
- defence
- outpost
- PTS (Public Telecommunication Service).
You can also apply for an apparatus licence in each of the following categories of receiver licences:
- defence receive
- earth receive
- fixed receive
- major coast receive
- space receive.
Generally, all radio transmitters require a licence, however there are some exemptions, including 27MHz handphones, some remote television controls, garage door opening devices and some small boats onboard radio systems.
You will also be required to apply to upgrade your apparatus licence to a spectrum licence if your apparatus licence authorises the operation of a radiocommunications device either:
- at frequencies that are within the spectrum to which a conversion plan applies
- within an area to which the conversion plan applies.
Spectrum licences authorise the use of radio frequency spectrum in a particular area, rather than apparatus type. Subject to compliance with rules designed to manage interference, spectrum licensees can operate any type of device or service. Certain licences may have additional conditions imposed by ACMA.
