Australia ACMA 6 GHz Standard-Power Wi-Fi: AFC Plan
Australia ACMA 6 GHz Standard-Power Wi-Fi: ACMA Proposes AFC Rules for 4 W RLAN in 5925–6585 MHz
Australia ACMA 6 GHz standard-power Wi-Fi has moved a step closer. On 16 October 2026 the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) published a consultation paper setting out its preliminary views on Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) in the 5925–6585 MHz range. If adopted, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 access points, including outdoor ones, could operate at up to 4 W EIRP under the control of an accredited AFC system. Submissions are due by 5 pm AEDT on 18 December 2026.
Background: low power only, for now
RLANs in Australia are authorised under the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2025, the LIPD class licence. In 5925–6585 MHz it allows two classes today: low-power indoor (LPI) devices at up to 250 mW EIRP and 12.5 mW per MHz, indoors only, and very low power (VLP) devices at up to 25 mW EIRP and 1.25 mW per MHz, which can also be used outdoors. Standard power hasn't been allowed in the band because of the risk to fixed point-to-point links and other incumbents.
The ACMA floated AFC in a discussion paper in November 2025 and received 26 submissions, most of them supportive. Four AFC trials are running under scientific licences, and the ACMA says no interference to incumbents has been seen so far, though incumbency in the trial areas is light. The upper band, 6585–7125 MHz, is outside this consultation and remains earmarked for wide-area wireless broadband.
Key Changes in the Australia ACMA 6 GHz Standard-Power Wi-Fi Proposal
Class licence, not individual licences
The ACMA's first preliminary view is that AFC-enabled SP RLAN devices should be authorised by class licence. Its second is that the existing LIPD class licence should be varied to do this, with a new entry that allows SP operation only when access is managed by an accredited AFC provider.
Accrediting the provider, not the software
Unlike the US and Canada, which approve AFC software, the ACMA prefers to accredit AFC system providers. A provider could use domestic or licensed overseas software, as long as the outcomes meet ACMA requirements. Accreditation would bring obligations on cybersecurity, audits, database synchronisation, record keeping and incident reporting, and could be revoked after repeated interference.
Devices must work under AFC control
Both access points and subscriber units would have to operate with an AFC system run by an accredited provider. AFC systems would assign channels and channel-specific EIRP and power spectral density, apply geolocation and antenna constraints, and re-check incumbent data on a regular cycle, for example every 12 or 24 hours. If a system can't update as required, devices would be expected to stop transmitting until it does.
Coexistence measures under study
The ACMA would prescribe the protection parameters AFC systems must apply. It points to the US and Canadian limit of 21 dBm EIRP above 30 degrees elevation to protect satellite uplinks and suggests a similar rule could be a standing class-licence condition. It also raises possible guard channels below 6585 MHz and extra protection for radio astronomy sites listed in footnote AUS87.
What This Means for Manufacturers
Outdoor and fixed wireless 6 GHz products could get a 4 W EIRP option in Australia, which isn't possible today.
Devices will need working AFC client functions, accurate geolocation and the ability to stop transmitting when a grant lapses.
An elevation-angle EIRP limit could affect antenna design for outdoor access points.
No equipment rules change yet. LPI and VLP products keep their current class licence conditions.
Product roadmaps should allow for detailed rules in 2027 and AFC operation from around late 2027 or early 2028.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Before | After (proposed) | Impact level |
Power classes in 5925–6585 MHz | LPI 250 mW indoor; VLP 25 mW | Adds standard power up to 4 W EIRP | High |
Outdoor use | VLP only | SP outdoors under AFC control | High |
Authorisation | LIPD class licence | LIPD class licence varied, SP only via accredited AFC provider | Medium |
AFC approval model | None | Provider accreditation, not software approval | Medium |
Device functions | Contention-based access | AFC client, geolocation, stop transmitting without a valid grant | High |
Satellite protection | Not needed at LPI/VLP levels | Possible 21 dBm EIRP limit above 30° elevation | To be confirmed |
6585–7125 MHz | Not available for RLAN | Unchanged, out of scope | Low |
Timeline and Required Actions
Key Dates
Date | Milestone |
November 2025 | AFC discussion paper released |
16 October 2026 | Next-steps consultation opens |
18 December 2026 | Submissions close, 5 pm AEDT |
Q3 2027 | Consultation on detailed rules and LIPD class licence variation |
Q4 2027 – Q1 2028 | Arrangements finalised; AFC deployment could begin |
Required Actions for Manufacturers
List your 6 GHz products that could use a standard-power mode in Australia.
Check whether their AFC client supports the geolocation, grant renewal and shutdown behaviour the ACMA describes.
Review outdoor antenna designs against a possible 21 dBm limit above 30° elevation.
Send comments to the ACMA by 18 December 2026 if the design choices affect your products.
Keep current LPI and VLP approvals in place; nothing changes for them yet.
Follow the Q3 2027 consultation for the actual class licence wording.
Conclusion
The ACMA's paper is the first concrete step toward Australia ACMA 6 GHz standard-power Wi-Fi, and its choice to accredit AFC providers rather than software sets it apart from North America. The technical details are still open, so manufacturers have a real chance to shape them before the December deadline. Our team can review your 6 GHz roadmap for Australia and manage RCM and radio compliance alongside your other markets.
