This week the ARA made another submission to the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) on their Radio Navigation-Satellite Services (RNSS) consultation. The RNSS generally describes any satellite constellation that provides positioning, navigation and timing services, and encompasses a number of ubiquitous systems, including Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

The ACMA consultation relates to a proposed framework for a long-term licencing mechanism for RNSS technologies, i.e. for when RNSS signals are received from space and then retransmitted to areas that have poor reception. For rail, that could include tunnels and railway sheds etc. Drawing on technical input from ARA’s Telecommunications Committee, ARA’s submission clarifies possible railway applications, requirements to mitigate interference and supports the application of existing European standards to encourage harmonisation and vendor competition leading to competitive equipment pricing. 

For more information please contact Jesse Baker