Automatic Frequency Co-ordination is a spectrum management mechanism that enables the introduction of new users into the 6 GHz band, while preserving the operational integrity of existing licensed services. The system operates by maintaining a comprehensive database of incumbent fixed-service point-to-point links, including their frequency assignments, technical parameters, and geographic locations.

When a new device or service seeks to operate within the band, the AFC system assesses the request in real time against the incumbent database. Based on established interference protection criteria, the AFC system authorises only those frequencies, channels, and power levels that will not cause harmful interference to existing links. This dynamic authorisation process ensures that incumbent services continue to operate without degradation, while allowing for efficient and secure spectrum sharing.

This approach aligns with international best practice, as evidenced by regulatory frameworks adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States and under consideration in other jurisdictions. The application of AFC in Australia would safeguard the critical telecommunications backhaul functions carried by incumbent 6 GHz fixed-service licensees, while enabling controlled expansion of innovative broadband and wireless services.

Benefits of AFC in Protecting Incumbents While Enabling RLAN Expansion

Targeted Interference Mitigation: AFC systems use real-time, location- and frequency-specific coordination to grant only safe channels for unlicensed use—addressing interference risk more precisely than generic power constraints alone.

Enabling Standard-Power Operation: AFC can safely enable standard-power RLAN deployments outdoors and indoors, unlocking broader service scenarios—such as outdoor public Wi-Fi, transit hubs, and enterprise campuses—without compromising existing P2P operations.

International Precedent: Jurisdictions including the United States and Canada have already adopted AFC frameworks. The U.S. FCC, for example, permits standard-power access in specific sub-bands when controlled by AFC, ensuring protection for point-to-point microwave links and other incumbents.

Cambium Networks, Qualcomm, and WISPAU have been working together to enable the trial of an AFC (Automatic Frequency Co-ordination).

The trial will use an AFC implemented by Qualcomm and will utilize Cambium Networks PMP 450V and/or epmp 4600 radio access points with associated subscriber points. All equipment must report GPS location as per requirements for AFC.

The AFC will be configured for both the ePMP 4600 and the PMP 450V to be able to operate in Australia in only the 5925 – 6585 MHz band at a max EIRP of 4Watts (36 dBm).

The AFC Trial is a 12 month trial to be run under a scientific license applied for by WISPAU to the ACMA.

The trial is being run to determine the reliability and performance of utilising Automatic Frequency Co-ordination for operation of radio equipment in the band described above.

The following locations are currently proposed for trial of AFC.

Note: The following locations are indicating PTMP radio locations only. It does not include customer premises radio locations.

During the trial, should the owner of a PTP 6Ghz licenced link determine there is interference issues affecting their link, and conclude that the interference may be a result of the above trial locations, WISPAU recommend completing the form below, or directly contacting the ISP via the details in the above table.

In the event that an interference issue is submitted the following steps will take place –

• Should an incumbent operator detail interference issues to WISPAU / ISP Member, the member will log the details and then as soon as practicable review the radio causing interference issues and identify (via AFC / Link Planner tool) a frequency within the range and power requirements that will mitigate the issues.
• ISP Member to notify both WISPAU and incumbent PTP 6Ghz link operator of the change and ensure the change has resolved the interference issues. Should the incumbent operator not identify any further issues, the details of the frequency and power change will be logged. This information will be sent to WISPAU, Cambium and Qualcomm for review on the issues and reasons why the AFC did not operate as expected. This information will also be made available to ACMA in the form of a weekly report.
• If the incumbent identifies interference further issues, the ISP is to turn off the 6Ghz radio channel and confirm with the incumbent operator of the link that the interference has been removed by turning off the radio. If the interference issue is resolved and confirmed to be the trial radio as the cause, the 6Ghz frequency radio is to remain disabled / off until further details can be obtained from Cambium / Qualcomm as to the cause.