On the 1 October 2016 New Zealand changed some maritime VHF repeater channels to make space for newly allocated international services for ship tracking and data services.

Although some maritime channels have changed, the existing maritime Channel 16 used for safety, distress and calling purposes will not change.

Your current radio is still able to access all the available channels. However, you may need to switch to a new channel number to continue to access your local repeater or listen to the weather forecast.

For more information on the changes, including how to order a new Maritime radiocommunications sticker and handbook, see www.retune.co.nz.

Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) has recently completed a minor review of the licencing and policy rules for Crown Management Rights.  We have subsequently published new issues of the ‘Spectrum Licence Certification Rules for Crown Management Rights (PIB 39)’ - Issue 6.1 and ‘Policy rules for Crown Spectrum Management Rights (PIB 59)’ - Issue 2.1.

PIB 39 and PIB 59 incorporate amendments to RSM processes and editorial changes to both PIBs.

Read more about PIB 39 (Issue 6.1) and PIB 59 (Issue 2.1).

The Radiocommunications Regulations (General User Radio Licence for Short Range Devices) Notice was updated to include a new provision covering the frequency range 77-81 GHz.  This provision is for the purpose of ground-based radiolocation use, including automotive short range radar technology. 

The provision is in line with the outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference that concluded in November 2015.  The decision made under WRC-15 Agenda item 1.18 is to allocate the frequency range 77.5-78 GHz to radiolocation on a primary basis.  This enables a contiguous block of spectrum in the band 77-81 GHz for use by radiolocation service globally.

The new version of this General User Radio Licence is available on the New Zealand Gazette website.

A new provision in Ka-band 29.5-30 GHz is permitted in New Zealand for uplink transmission by the class of station known as “earth station in motion” (ESIM) communicating with fixed-satellite networks in the downlink band 19.7-20.2 GHz (space-to-Earth direction).

This provision is in line with the outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference that concluded in November 2015, particularly Resolution 156 (WRC-15).

In order to fully cover the definition of ESIM, this new provision applicable to ESIM in the uplink band 29.5-30 GHz is included in the updated version of the following three General User Radio Licences applicable to satellite uplink transmission – one for terrestrial, one for aeronautical and one for maritime, respectively:

• Radiocommunications Regulations (General User Radio Licence for Satellite Services) Notice 2016
   
• Radiocommunications Regulations (General User Radio Licence for Aeronautical purposes) Notice 2016
   
• Radiocommunications Regulations (General User Radio Licence for Maritime purposes) Notice 2016

The Radiocommunications Regulations (General User Radio Licence for Maritime Purposes) Notice was updated to reflect the changes to Appendix 18 of the International Radio Regulations.

As a result of two World Radiocommunication Conferences that concluded in February 2012 and November 2015, we are required to repurpose a number of VHF maritime mobile channels, which are currently allocated for repeaters and NowCasting weather information channels in New Zealand, for increased ship tracking and data communication services.

It should be noted that this General User Radio Licence came into operation on 1 October 2016 in line with the changes being made across New Zealand. 

The new version of this General User Radio Licence is available on the New Zealand Gazette website.

An application has been received for licences for radio spectrum in the 2.5 GHz Managed Spectrum Park band.  Potential uses for this spectrum include wireless broadband services.

Since November 2010, parties interested in utilising this spectrum have been able to apply for access on a first-come, first-served basis, but with sharing processes required to be negotiated by applicants. An Application has been received by the Crown Spectrum Asset Manager from:

Korderas Ltd, for additional licences with coverage in parts of the Wellington City Council TLA area.

Read more about this application for managed spectrum park licences in Notice 44.