Understanding Apparatus vs Class Licensing

The two pillars of Australian spectrum licensing

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) manages how radiofrequency spectrum is allocated and shared.

Most devices operate under one of two licensing frameworks: Apparatus licences or Class licences.

Apparatus licensing tailored and controlled

Apparatus licences are individual authorisations issued for specific transmitters, frequencies, and locations.

They’re used for critical and managed services such as public safety, mining, defence, and broadcasting.

• Defined frequency, location, and power limits
• Coordinated to avoid interference
• Renewable and transferable

Apparatus licences offer precision and protection ideal where reliability and control matter.

Class licensing shared and standardised

Class licences (like the LIPD Class Licence) allow many users to operate low power devices without individual approval, provided they comply with standard conditions.

Common examples:

• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IoT sensors
• Short range telemetry and keyless entry systems

Class licensing supports innovation and accessibility, but requires strict adherence to technical limits (power, bandwidth, duty cycle).

Why it matters

For RF engineers, understanding licensing types influences:

• How frequencies are chosen
• Whether interference coordination is required
• What documentation and submissions are needed

At noIM₃, our tools distinguish between these licensing categories, ensuring that frequency plans are built and validated according to the correct ACMA framework.