Table of contents 

1. Understanding radio frequency requirements 
2. What is ACMA frequency licensing? 
3. Why do professional two-way radios need frequency licences? 
4. Does every two-way radio need an ACMA licence? 
5. What about amateur radio? 
6. What is the difference between class, site and national licences? 
7. How does frequency assignment work? 
8. How do power and coverage affect licensing? 
9. How does licensing work for repeaters? 
10. How do you know which ACMA licence you need? 
11. How D2N can help with ACMA licensing 
12. FAQs 
    

If you’re setting up two-way radios for a security team, school, sporting club, retail, venue, warehouse or other workplace, you may need an ACMA licence before you start using them. 

Getting the right licence is relatively straightforward once you know what your radio system needs and which frequencies are suitable. D2N can help manage the process, from working out your frequency requirements through to coordinating the licence application. 

At a high level, the process involves: 

1. Confirm your requirements 

Work out where you’ll use the radios, the coverage required and the equipment you need. 

2. Determine your system and licence type 

Work out whether you need simplex or repeater operation and whether a site or national licence suits how and where you’ll operate.

3. Apply for your frequency licence 

Identify suitable frequencies and apply for the appropriate ACMA licence.

4. Program your radios for use 

Program the licensed frequencies into your radios and operate within the licence conditions. 

Below, we explain how ACMA frequency licensing works in more detail, when you need a licence and what you need to consider when setting up a professional two-way radio system. 

Understanding radio frequency requirements 

Professional two-way radio systems rely on access to radio frequencies. These frequencies are shared with many other services, so organisations cannot simply choose any frequency and start transmitting. 

In Australia, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) manages radio frequencies and the rules around how they can be used. For professional two-way radio systems, this can mean operating under a class licence or obtaining an apparatus licence with frequencies assigned for your specific use. 

The right arrangement depends on how and where your system will operate. The frequency band, location, equipment, transmitter power and whether radios communicate directly or through a repeater can all affect your licensing requirements. 

Understanding these requirements early helps ensure your radio system provides the coverage you need while meeting the relevant ACMA conditions. 

What is ACMA frequency licensing? 

ACMA manages Australia’s radiofrequency spectrum and the rules around how it can be used. For two-way radio systems, licensing generally falls into three scenarios: class, site and national. 

A licence gives the registered owner permission to use a specific frequency, or a pair of frequencies for a repeater, under certain conditions. These conditions can depend on the frequency band, power level, location and equipment being used. 

The type of licence you need depends on how and where you plan to use your radios. A site licence provides greater protection for a defined location, while a national licence provides more flexibility to operate across Australia. Some frequencies, such as designated CB channels, can be used under a class licence without applying for an individual ACMA licence. 

Why do professional two-way radios need frequency licences? 

Radio spectrum is finite and many organisations may need to operate radio systems in the same geographic area. If different systems use the same or nearby frequencies without appropriate planning, they can interfere with each other. For an organisation relying on radio communications, that can mean interrupted transmissions, unwanted traffic on a channel or unreliable communications. 

ACMA uses licensing and frequency coordination to manage this risk. Frequency assignments take existing radio services and the technical characteristics of the proposed system into account so spectrum can be used efficiently and interference can be reduced. 

The equipment itself also needs to meet the relevant Australian requirements. Holding the right licence does not make non-compliant radio equipment compliant, and compliant equipment still needs to be operated under the appropriate licensing conditions. 

Does every two-way radio need an ACMA licence? 

Some radio services operate under class licences, which allow compliant equipment to use specified shared frequencies without each user applying for an individual licence. UHF CB is a familiar example. Users do not need to apply for an individual ACMA licence to use designated CB channels, but they still need to follow the conditions covering the equipment, frequencies and power. 

Professional radio systems can have different requirements, particularly when an organisation needs an assigned frequency, greater protection from interference, repeater infrastructure or coverage designed around a particular site. Being able to program a frequency into a radio does not automatically mean you are permitted to operate on it. The frequency and equipment need to be used under the relevant ACMA arrangements. 

What about amateur radio? 

Amateur radio is different from the professional two-way radio systems used by businesses and operational teams. 

ACMA describes amateur radio as a service for hobby radiocommunications and technical experimentation. Since February 2024, qualified amateur operators can generally operate under the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023 rather than applying for an individual non-assigned licence. 

You still need a recognised amateur radio qualification and call sign, and you must follow the frequencies, power limits and other conditions that apply to your qualification and the amateur class licence. Amateur repeaters and beacons require assigned apparatus licences. 

An amateur radio qualification or class licence does not replace the licensing arrangements that apply to a professional two-way radio system. If your radios are being used for business or operational communications, the appropriate licensing approach needs to be assessed for that application. 

What is the difference between class, site and national licences? 

The main difference is how and where the radio system needs to operate. D2N’s licensing guidance groups common professional radio requirements into class, site and national scenarios. 

Class licence 

A class licence allows compliant radio equipment to operate on designated shared frequencies without the user applying for an individual licence. 

This can be suitable for some applications, but the frequencies are shared. An organisation does not receive its own protected frequency simply by operating under a class licence. 

Site licence 

A site licence is designed around a defined location and provides greater protection from other radio systems being assigned the same frequency nearby. 

The relevant coordination and operating area depends on factors including the frequency band and transmitter power. D2N’s technical guidance notes that a low-power site licence can provide frequency protection over a defined distance, with larger coordination distances applying to some higher-powered services. 

Site licensing can suit warehouses, commercial buildings, headquarters, government facilities and other permanent operations where reliable communications at one location are important. If interference affects a licensed service, the licence holder can also raise the issue with ACMA for investigation. 

National licence 

National licensing provides greater flexibility for organisations that need to use radios across different locations rather than at one permanent site. It can suit rental companies, construction businesses and other organisations that regularly deploy radio equipment around Australia. 

The trade-off is frequency protection. National users must not interfere with site-licensed services. If two national users are operating in the same location, neither has priority over the other. This is commonly described as a “no interference, no protection” arrangement. The right approach therefore depends on whether you need greater protection at a defined site or the flexibility to operate across different locations. 

How does frequency assignment work? 

For an assigned professional radio licence, suitable frequencies need to be identified and coordinated before the system begins operating. ACMA recommends using an accredited person, like Jason Owen at D2N, for licences. They can undertake the required frequency coordination, issue a Frequency Assignment Certificate and submit the licence application. 

Frequency selection considers the proposed radio system and the existing RF environment around it. This can include the frequency band, channel bandwidth, system type, location, transmitter characteristics and potential interference with existing services. 

Professional land mobile systems commonly operate in VHF and UHF spectrum. D2N’s technical guidance includes VHF 148–174 MHz and UHF ranges including 403–420 MHz and 450–520 MHz among the bands used for professional two-way radio. 

Frequency assignment is therefore about finding spectrum appropriate for the complete radio system and operating environment, rather than simply programming an available-looking channel into the radios. 

How do power and coverage affect licensing? 

Transmitter power affects how far a radio signal can travel and therefore how the service needs to be coordinated with other spectrum users. D2N’s technical guidance separates systems into low-power services up to and including 8.3 Watts and higher-power services above 8.3 Watts. As a rough guide, many portable radios operate at around 3–5 Watts, while vehicle-mounted radios and repeaters can operate at considerably higher power. 

Higher power does not automatically mean a better radio system. The objective is to use the equipment, infrastructure and power appropriate for the coverage required. A warehouse using portable radios has very different requirements from a large industrial site using repeater infrastructure. That is why power, coverage, frequency planning and licensing should be considered together. 

How does licensing work for repeaters? 

A repeater receives a radio transmission and retransmits it, helping extend or improve coverage across larger or more challenging environments. A conventional repeater commonly uses two frequencies: one to receive and another to transmit. This means the frequency pair needs to be considered as part of the licensing and coordination process. 

Repeaters can also operate at higher power or from elevated locations, increasing the area over which their transmissions may be received. Their location, power, frequencies and coverage therefore need to be planned together. For organisations using repeaters across large buildings, industrial sites, venues or geographically challenging areas, licensing should form part of the repeater and coverage design from the beginning. 

How do you know which ACMA licence you need? 

The right licensing arrangement depends on how your radio system will actually be used. 

A few practical questions usually narrow the options quickly: 

• Will the radios operate at one permanent site or across different locations? 
• How large is the required coverage area? 
• Which frequency band does the equipment use? 
• What transmitter power is required? 
• Will radios communicate directly or through a repeater? 
• How important is protection from interference? 
• What other radio services already operate around the site? 
• Is the system permanent, temporary or regularly deployed to different locations? 

The answers help determine the appropriate licence type, frequency assignment, power level and overall RF design. For a small permanent facility, the solution may be relatively straightforward. A larger site, repeater network, higher-powered system or organisation operating across multiple locations can require more detailed frequency planning. 

How D2N can help with ACMA licensing 

ACMA licensing can become technical quickly, particularly when frequency assignment, repeaters, multiple sites or higher-powered systems are involved. D2N helps organisations understand the requirements without needing to navigate the technical process themselves. This includes providing clear advice on the appropriate licensing approach, organising the licensing and supplying ACMA-compliant documentation. 

Licensing can also be considered as part of the wider radio system design. D2N can look at where your teams need to communicate, the coverage required, equipment, frequencies, power and infrastructure to develop a solution around the way your organisation actually operates. 

Explore D2N’s ACMA licensing services, or get in touch to discuss your radio system, location and licensing requirements. 

Keep your teams connected, communications clear and critical operations running with technology designed for demanding environments. D2N designs, integrates and supports two-way radio, intercom, professional audio, broadcast, video and RF solutions, backed by deep technical expertise and leading technology brands. Shop online or get in touch to find the right solution for your needs. 

FAQs 

What is an ACMA licence for a two-way radio? 
An ACMA licence authorises radiocommunications equipment to operate under specified conditions. For many professional two-way radio systems, this involves a land mobile apparatus licence and assigned frequencies appropriate for the equipment and application.

Do all two-way radios need an ACMA licence in Australia? 
No. Some radio services operate under class licences, meaning users do not need to apply for an individual licence when compliant equipment is operated within the relevant conditions. Other professional systems require assigned frequencies and an apparatus licence.

Do walkie talkies need a licence in Australia? 
It depends on the type of walkie talkie and how you use it. Some walkie talkies, such as compliant UHF CB radios, can operate under a class licence without you applying for an individual licence. Professional two-way radio systems may require assigned frequencies and an ACMA licence, particularly when you need dedicated frequencies, repeaters or reliable coverage for business operations.

What is the difference between a site and national radio licence? 
A site licence is designed around a defined location and provides greater frequency protection. National licensing provides greater flexibility to operate across different locations, but users operate under no-interference, no-protection conditions in relation to other national users.

Can I choose my own two-way radio frequency? 
Not necessarily. Professional systems requiring an assigned frequency need appropriate frequency coordination. An accredited person can identify suitable frequencies, undertake the required coordination and support the licence application. 

Do amateur radios need an ACMA licence? 
Qualified amateur operators generally operate under the Amateur Stations Class Licence 2023, which does not require an individual application or licence fee. Operators still need a recognised qualification and call sign and must follow the class licence conditions. Amateur repeaters and beacons require assigned apparatus licences. 

Can an amateur radio licence be used for business communications? 
Amateur radio is intended for hobby radiocommunications and technical experimentation. Professional and business radio systems should be assessed under the licensing arrangements appropriate to their operational use. 

Do radio repeaters need different licensing? 
Repeaters commonly use a pair of frequencies and may operate at higher power or from elevated locations. Their frequency pair, location, power and coverage therefore need to be considered during licensing and frequency coordination. 

Can D2N organise ACMA licensing for professional two-way radios? 
Yes. D2N can advise on the appropriate licensing approach, organise licensing and provide ACMA-compliant documentation. Licensing can also be considered as part of the wider design of your professional two-way radio and RF system.