4 W RFID now permitted in Australia

RFID devices with up to 4 W of power may now be used in Australia in the 920-926 MHz band, after receiving the green light by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The decision comes after four years of industry testing on the devices, led by GS1 Australia.

In Australia, RFID services come under a Low Interference Potential Devices (LIPD) class license which, until now, limited RFID power usage to 1 W between the 918-926 MHz band.

RFID performance and robustness is expected to improve with an increase in the allowable power output.

GS1 Australia’s General Manager of Standards Development, Sue Schmid, said the decision to approve 4 W removed a barrier to the adoption of EPC/RFID within Australia.

“This is a much-needed boost to Australian industry, which can now continue its adoption of this technology," Schmid said.