Find answers to common questions about SpectAura, Australian spectrum licensing data, and how to get the most from the platform.
#About the Data
Where does SpectAura get its data?
SpectAura sources all spectrum licensing data from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Specifically, we use the Register of Radiocommunications Licences (RRL) datasets that ACMA publishes under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence.
How current is the licence data?
SpectAura synchronises with ACMA's published datasets daily. The dashboard displays the timestamp of our most recent successful sync. Changes to licences, sites, devices, and clients typically appear within 24-48 hours of being published by ACMA.
Is this the same data as the ACMA RRL?
Yes. SpectAura displays the same underlying data that you'd find on ACMA's official Register of Radiocommunications Licences. We don't modify or supplement the core licence data—we present it through a more efficient interface with better search and export capabilities.
Why doesn't my recently lodged licence appear?
New licences appear in SpectAura after ACMA publishes them to their public datasets and our daily sync completes. This typically takes 2-5 business days from the date ACMA processes your application. If a licence doesn't appear after a week, check the official ACMA RRL directly.
#SpectAura vs Alternatives
How is SpectAura different from the ACMA RRL search?
The official ACMA search interface has several limitations that SpectAura addresses:
- No result limits — ACMA caps results at 5,000 records; SpectAura has no such limit
- Interactive map — ACMA provides no map visualisation; SpectAura shows all sites on an interactive map
- Combined filters — Apply multiple filter types simultaneously in SpectAura
- Better export — Download structured CSV files instead of limited report formats
- Saved searches — Save filter configurations for reuse
- Mobile-friendly — Full functionality on mobile devices
Why should I use SpectAura instead of other tools?
SpectAura is purpose-built for Australian RF professionals:
- Web-based — No software to download or install
- Australian-focused — Designed specifically for ACMA data and Australian workflows
- Modern interface — Responsive design with dark/light themes
- Daily updates — Data refreshes automatically every day
- Professional features — Deep linking, exports, API access
Can SpectAura do everything the ACMA website does?
SpectAura focuses on search, visualisation, and data export for the Register of Radiocommunications Licences. We don't replicate ACMA's licensing application portal, spectrum management tools, or regulatory compliance systems. For lodging applications or managing your own licences, use ACMA's official portals.
#Using the Platform
Can I search by location or coordinates?
Yes. SpectAura offers several location-based search options:
- State/Territory filter — Filter by Australian state or territory
- Postcode filter — Filter by one or more postcodes
- Map bounding box — Draw a rectangle on the map to filter by area
- Coordinate search — Enter latitude/longitude coordinates directly
How do I filter by frequency range?
Use the Frequency filter in the sidebar to specify your desired frequency range. You can enter values in MHz or GHz and apply multiple frequency ranges simultaneously. The filter applies to all devices within the current result set.
Can I export search results?
Yes. Filtered results can be exported as CSV files. Select the entities you want to include (sites, devices, licences, clients) and click Export. You'll receive a ZIP archive containing structured CSV files. Export limits depend on your subscription tier.
What file formats can I export to?
SpectAura currently exports to CSV format, delivered as a ZIP archive containing separate files for each entity type. CSV files are compatible with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and most data analysis tools.
Can I save searches to use later?
Yes. Create a Project to save your current filter configuration. Projects are accessible from the project selector in the navigation bar. You can create multiple projects to organise searches by client, use case, or frequency band.
Does SpectAura work on mobile?
Yes. SpectAura is fully responsive and works on mobile phones and tablets. The map interface uses touch-friendly controls, and all filter panels adapt to smaller screens.
#Pricing & Access
Is SpectAura free to use?
SpectAura offers a free tier with limited functionality. Free users can browse the map, view data tables, and use basic filters. Paid subscriptions unlock higher rate limits, export functionality, saved projects, and API access. See our pricing page for details.
What are the limits on the free tier?
The free tier includes:
- Map browsing and basic search
- Standard rate limits for page views
- Limited data visibility
- No data export
- No saved projects
- No API access
Upgrade to a paid tier to unlock professional features.
Do I need to create an account?
You can browse SpectAura's map and data tables without an account. Creating a free account unlocks saved projects and extended functionality. Paid features require a subscription.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes. Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time from your account settings. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period. No refunds are provided for partial periods. See our terms of service for full details.
#Technical & Professional
Can I use SpectAura for frequency coordination work?
SpectAura provides data visibility that supports frequency coordination activities. You can identify existing licence holders, view device frequencies and power levels, and assess site density in your target area. However, SpectAura is an information tool—formal frequency coordination should follow ACMA's processes and may require assessment by an Accredited Person.
Does SpectAura include RFNSA site data?
RFNSA (Radio Frequency National Site Archive) data integration is on our roadmap. Currently, SpectAura displays ACMA RRL data only. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when RFNSA support is available.
Can I share search results with colleagues?
Yes. SpectAura uses deep linking—your current filter state is encoded in the page URL. Copy the URL from your browser and share it with colleagues. They'll see exactly the same filtered view (subject to their access permissions).
Is there an API for integration?
Yes. SpectAura offers a REST API for programmatic access to ACMA data. API access is available on paid subscription tiers. The API supports the same filters available in the web interface and returns JSON responses. Contact us for API documentation.
#Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.