QUESTIONS ON NOTICE › Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (Question No. 1284)
Senator Ludlam asked the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, upon notice, on 25 October 2011: (1) When is it anticipated that the foreshadowed changes to the low interference potential devices (LIPD) class licence for wireless audio equipment users will be made. (2) What will the notice period be between deciding on the final changes to the LIPD class licence and the promulgation of these changes. (3) When and how will importers, wholesalers and retailers be advised that they are no longer authorised to sell wireless audio equipment operating in the 694 820 MHz band. (4) Prior to 31 December 2014, how would an ordinary user of wireless audio equipment ascertain whether the equipment that they own is compliant with any changes to the LIPD class licence. (5) As more than 80 per cent of existing wireless audio users currently have equipment which utilises the 694 820 MHz band, would it be accurate to say that 'most' or 'the majority' of users will have to replace their equipment. (6) For small businesses, bands, churches or community groups, what is the typical value of the wireless devices that they will have to replace. (7) For a large business such as convention centres or musical theatre companies, what is the typical value of the wireless devices that they will have to replace. (8) Has the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) or the department had any communications with eBay or other online marketplaces which currently facilitate the parallel import of wireless audio devices tuned for other markets into Australia; if so, what is the plan to ensure that these marketplaces only allow the importation of equipment compliant with the amended LIPD class licence. (9) Has the ACMA or the Minister examined the migration mechanisms of wireless audio devices out of digital dividend spectrum in other countries; if so, were they successful and what factors determined this success. (10) What testing has been conducted to determine the likelihood for interference to various kinds of potential purchasers of the digital dividend spectrum and the potential of this to impact auction revenues.