On 31 October 2024, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) launched a public consultation on the reformulation of the Telecommunications (Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Regulations 2015, and seven telecommunications standards, and the Telecommunications Disability Standard. The ACMA published the results of this public consultation on 20 March 2025. The Disability Standards and 7 technical standards have entered into force on March 30, 2025, and the Telecommunication Labeling Notice has entered into force on March 31, 2025. The seven technical standards are:

• Telecommunications (Analogue Interworking and Non-interference Requirements for Customer Equipment for Connection to a Switched Telephone Network – AS/CA S002) Technical Standard 2025
• Telecommunications (Requirements for Customer Access Equipment for Connection to a Telecommunications Network – AS/CA S003) Technical Standard 2025
• Telecommunications (Voice Performance Requirements for Customer Equipment – AS/CA S004) Technical Standard 2025
• Telecommunications (Requirements for Customer Cabling Products – AS/CA S008) Technical Standard 2025
• Telecommunications (Requirements for Customer Equipment with Hierarchical Digital Interfaces – AS/ACIF S016) Technical Standard 2025
• Telecommunications (Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for Connection to a Switched Telephone Network – AS/CA S041) Technical Standard 2025
• Telecommunications (Requirements for Customer Equipment for Connection to a Metallic Local Loop Interface of a Telecommunications Network – AS/CA S043) Technical Standard 2025

Click on the link to view the original ACMA public consultation.

On 19 March 2025, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) launched a public consultation to reformulate the Low Interference Potential Equipment (LIPD) category licence, which will expire on 1 October 2025. Typical LIPD devices include garage door openers, Bluetooth devices, wireless microphones, and wireless LAN devices. The proposed revisions include updating the standard references, adding wireless multi-channel audio systems/5925-6425MHz frequency hopping communication systems, and correcting spurious disturbance limits below 5925MHz.

Click on the link to view the original public consultation, and the comment period is until 16 May 2025.

The Cybersecurity Act 2024 has become official Australian law. As part of the implementation of the law, on March 4, 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs introduced the Cyber Security (Security Standards for Smart Devices) Rules 2025, which set mandatory cybersecurity requirements for consumer-grade smart devices.

The Rule will begin on March 4, 2026, giving manufacturers and distributors one year to ensure compliance. Manufacturers and distributors must comply with strict safety measures similar to EN 303 645, including:

• It is forbidden to use a universal default password;
• implement a vulnerability reporting mechanism;
• Define the support period for security updates.

To sell consumer IoT products in Australia, businesses must provide a declaration of compliance confirming compliance with these security standards. The document must include: product type and batch identifier; Manufacturer and representative details; Declaration of Compliance; support period information; Location, date, and signature.

Click this link to view the original Cyber Security (Security Standards for Smart Devices) Rules 2025.

1) On 17 October 2024, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) launched a public consultation on the "Revised Scheme for Re-establishing the LCD (Licensing Conditions Determination) Specification for Fixed Band Licences and the Arrangement for the Use of the 3.4–4 GHz Frequency Band" until 15 November 2024. Click on the link to view the original consultation.

2) On October 21, 2024, the ACMA launched a public consultation on the "Proposal for the Redevelopment of TLN and Eight Telecommunication Standards" until December 20, 2024. The public consultation includes key criteria such as AS/CA S004 audio performance requirements. Click on the link to view the original public consultation.

Following the public meeting of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on 29 February 2024 on the application of the 6 GHz band (6425-7125 MHz), the ACMA launched a public consultation on 4 June 2024 on the possible introduction of Wireless Local Area Network (RLAN) and/or Wide Area Wireless Broadband (WA WBB) in the 6 GHz band. ACMA proposes four options, option 1 is to maintain the status quo (not to use 6425-7125MHz for RLANs and WA WBBs), and the other three options are to use 6425-7125MHz for RLAN/WA WBB to varying degrees. Until a decision is made, ACMA will stop certifying devices on these bands.

Click on this link to view the original public consultation available until 2 July 2024.

Due to the controversial comments received by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in the previous public consultation, the ACMA's application of the Upper 6 GHz (6425MHz-7125 MHz) frequency band has been put on hold pending the outcome of discussions at ITU WRC-23. In December 2023, WRC-23 formed a resolution on the allocation of the 6 GHz frequency band: Region 1 (Europe, Africa, The Russian Federation and the Arab States Region) allocated the entire 6425-7125 MHz band for IMT, some countries in Region 2 (the Americas) allocated the entire 6425-7125 MHz band for IMT, and in Region 3 (Asia-Pacific region) allocated the entire 7025-7125 MHz band for IMT, and on this basis, some countries in Region 3 allocated the entire 6425-7025 MHz band for IMT.

Australia's ACMA plans to discuss the 6 GHz band adjustment plan in a virtual format on 29 February, and will explore potential planning options for the 6 GHz band (6425–7125 MHz) for possible wireless local area network (RLAN) and/or IMT wireless broadband use. ACMA will also explore the applicability of Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) to expand the use of RLANs and examine related technical and regulatory issues.

Click link to view ACMA's meeting notice and participation requirements.