Wireless equipment deployed by Community Wireless groups such as Air-Stream use part of the radio spectrum which is free to be used by anyone, provided the radiated power is controled.
Called the “Public Park Concept” it is relatively unregulated by the Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) who allow all users the same rights regardless of who they are - business, telecommunications carriers, government departments or private citizens.
This approach avoids the need for ongoing individual frequency co-ordinations and the registering of technical details and locations of equipment for each new user, as is the case with licensed frequencies.
ACMA Reference: In radiocommunications licensing, what does the 'public park' concept mean?
However, beware of misleading information to the contrary as some cowboy Wireless ISPs might try to have you believe that they have some special rights when it comes to the use of these frequencies and that other users are disreputable somehow. Such claims are both misleading to the public and their customers and should be treated with caution.
Reputable ISPs would only offer wireless connectivity in such an unregulated environment as a hotspot solution or last mile service in rural areas. Where the backhaul is provided by landlines or commercially licensed radio links.
ACMA Reference: What risks are there in operating in a 'public park'?
please also see: Minimizing Interference
