Radio Astronomy, by its very nature, detects extremely faint cosmic radio signals and hence is very susceptible to Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). So, it is very important that the RFI environment near radio astronomy telescopes is carefully controlled.

The radio spectrum is regulated internationally by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a specialised United Nations agency, which allocates spectrum to the many radio telecommunications services. This spectrum is then managed at the national level by national regulators. In Australia, the regulator is the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) considers that radio spectrum protection is critical to its operations. Historically, the ATNF and its predecessors in CSIRO have been strongly involved in both national and international radio spectrum management activities such as the ITU and the ACMA. The ATNF remains involved in many aspects of spectrum management, frequency protection and RFI mitigation.

ATNF Spectrum Management Coordination and Contacts

The principal contact at ATNF for any spectrum related issues is the ATNF Spectrum Management Coordinator. The coordinator also acts as the main contact and liaison on radio spectrum issues for all radio astronomy facilities in Australia.

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