Private wireless networks and Australian equipment requirements – even if the network is a private network, the equipment used on the network may need to comply with mandatory standards before the equipment can be supplied or used in Australia.
29 Sep

Private wireless networks and Australian equipment requirements – even if the network is a private network, the equipment used on the network may need to comply with mandatory standards before the equipment can be supplied or used in Australia.

The ACMA recently published a market study on Private Wireless networks using 4G or 5G. The paper identifies developments in private wireless networks in Australia and some of the issues that need to be considered.

The paper also discusses the factors relevant to deploying 5G private wireless networks and includes 5 case studies of private networks in Australia that are outside of the mining and resources sector.

It is important to note that even if the network is a private network, the equipment used on the network may need to comply with mandatory standards before the equipment can be supplied or used in Australia.

What are the requirements?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the Australian Government regulator for telecommunications and radiocommunications. The ACMA has a range of equipment regulations that may apply.

The ACMA’s labelling notices and equipment rules place obligations on the importer (in Australia) of the equipment into Australia, or the manufacturer (in Australia) of the equipment that must be met before the equipment is able to be supplied in Australia.

The obligations in the labelling notices include the requirement to ensure the equipment complies with applicable standards, keeping records that demonstrate compliance, to register on the national database as a supplier and to label the equipment to show it complies.

There are two labelling notices and a set of general equipment rules by the ACMA which specify obligations for suppliers of equipment. It is possible that both labelling notices and the general equipment rules could apply to the supplier of the same piece of equipment.

The ACMA labelling notices and equipment rules will specify which standards your equipment must comply with.

What can I do to get assistance?

CBA can assist you with meeting your regulatory obligations, as well as providing accredited safety and telecommunication certification.

If you would like to know more on how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact us on +61 2 9099-1557 or email Gunther at gtheisz@certificationbody.com.au or Colin at cpayne@certificationbody.com.au.

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