The Australian Communications and Media Authority this week released a discussion paper containing proposals for the establishment of radiocommunications licensing arrangements for in-flight mobile communication on aircraft.

‘In-flight mobile phone services are increasingly available to air travellers around the world,’ said Chris Chapman, Chairman of the ACMA.

‘In 2007 the ACMA took the regulatory lead on this initiative by approving a trial of in-flight mobile communications on a single Qantas aircraft on domestic routes. In view of the success of the trial and service announcements by Qantas and V Australia, the ACMA is now proposing radiocommunications licensing arrangements that would allow in-flight mobile communications services on Australian aircraft.’

To date, neither Qantas nor V Australia has indicated an intention to introduce in-flight voice calls, but both have however announced plans to offer SMS and data services, subject to the ACMA making appropriate regulatory arrangements.

The ACMA is proposing that in-flight mobile communications on aircraft be authorised and licensed by:

• third party agreements with spectrum licensees for airspace above geographical areas where frequencies are spectrum licensed; and
  
   
• apparatus and class licensing in areas where frequencies are not spectrum licensed.

The proposed licensing arrangements reflect the ACMA’s unequivocal commitment to protecting existing terrestrial mobile services from interference while allowing for the use of new technologies and innovative services such as mobile communication services on aircraft.

The ACMA is also very cognisant of the need to work in harmony with aviation safety requirements.

A copy of the discussion paper and associated documents can be obtained from the ACMA website or by emailing Licence&Numbering Development@acma.gov.au.