Embargoes are placed on specific bands or frequencies order to facilitate the frequency planning process. This is a process managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

Embargoes place restrictions on frequency assignments for apparatus licensed services in certain frequency bands and in certain geographical areas. Embargoes are necessary to minimise the dislocation of affected services and to allow for future developments.

The ACMA's Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instruction (RALI) MS3: Spectrum Embargoes (PDF-432 KB) provides the policy basis for spectrum embargoes.

Further information regarding spectrum embargoes and a list of all embargoes can be found on the Australian Communications and Media Authority website or by accessing the following link direct to the page: http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_2712

Embargo 36

Embargo 36 (refers to the 64 channel block) was put into operation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority as a short term arrangement to support the use of the 458.3375 – 459.9375 MHz band and 467.8375 – 469.4374 MHz band for national security, law enforcement and emergency services purposes.

The Commonwealth Government is currently working with all State Governments to formalise this short term arrangement for the longer term. This will provide jurisdictions with the certainty required to conduct long term planning to maintain and/or migrate their relevant police and emergency services communications capability within this common allocation of frequencies.

Embargo 36 was an outcome recommended by the NCCGR at its meeting in November 2004.

A copy of Embargo 36 can be viewed by visiting the ACMA's website or by accessing the following link direct to the document:

http://www.acma.gov.au/acmainterwr/radcomm/frequency_planning/spectrum_embargoes/emb36.pdf