WiMaxWiMax approval for imported devices is not possible in Australia at the moment as the ACMA have not established a class licencing system, therefore each item must have an individual licence depending on where it is operated.  For customer premises type devices, this is simply impractical.  Here’s a summary:
 
Current approved Australian WiMAX bands are:
 
·         2.3GHz MDS B Band (2.302GHz – 2.400GHz)
·         3.4GHz Lower Band (3.425GHz – 3.475GHz)
·         3.4GHz Upper Band A (3.475GHz – 3.4925GHz)
·         3.4GHz Upper Band B (3.5425GHz – 3.575GHz)
 
WiMAX devices operating in frequency bands other than the above are prohibited in Australia.
 
WiMAX operation in Australia is managed by respective Spectrum License Holders (i.e. license issued to an individual or a company for part of the spectrum in specific geographical areas that covers all devices in those geographical areas.  The licensee grants third parties permission to operate transmitters under their license).  Spectrum License Holders must ensure that devices, operating under their licenses, comply with the conditions of their licenses.  Therefore, any device operating in the licensed spectrum bands must have the permission of the Spectrum License Holders, and comply with the technical requirements imposed by the Spectrum Licence Holders in the geographical areas the devices will be used.  A list of current Spectrum License Holders can be viewed at this link – http://web.acma.gov.au/pls/radcom/spectrum_search.cat_listing.  Importers of WiMAX devices will have to approach the Spectrum License Holders directly to obtain the necessary compliance requirements set out by them.
 
Importers of WiMAX devices are reminded that in addition to the Spectrum License Holders’ requirements, the devices must also comply with relevant mandated Australian requirements, such as Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Electrical Safety, Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS), Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)-Human Exposure.

We will provide an update if/when the situation changes.