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Amateur Radio Regulatory Reform in AustraliaSteve (K4CJX), the Administrator of the Winlink amateur radio network is apt to say: "It is a great time to be in Amateur radio!" AussieWinlink would like to give it an Australian twist by adding: “in Australia.” Regulatory reforms for amateur radio in Australia are under consideration and being progressively implemented by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA). These may well turn out to be the most progressive in the world. Because of the interest by: (a) the “old” amateur radio guard; (b) the many new entrants that have expressed an interest in Winlink; and (c) many overseas recreational cruisers visiting Australia, there was a need to more clearly define the rights and responsibilities of Winlink Users. ACA has been extremely helpful in addressing and promulgating its decisions. The basis of the review is in the World Radio Conference of 2003 and, perhaps, prompted a little by AussieWinlink’s lobbying for reform. There are many changes in the works and ACA has been making regular press releases and has answered specific questions that are of great interest to local and foreign radio amateurs in Australia. There were major questions about the frequency band plans associated with the new types of amateur licenses that are being established by ACA. The new types of licenses and band plans appear conducive for encouraging many to join or rejoin the amateur radio community. This has several advantages for Australia, especially given the role of amateur radio during local and international disaster and emergency relief operations and search and rescue missions. The new licenses and the proposed frequency band plans, as these apply to potential Winlink Users, is given in the ACA communication quoted below: QUOTE The following details relevant aspects of the proposed licensing arrangements. Following the introduction of the new licensing arrangements later this year, Novice, Novice Limited and Standard licensees may operate in the HF band using the following frequency bands and emissions.
A)
3.5 - 3.7 MHz (Any emission mode with a necessary bandwidth not exceeding 8 kHz may be used in the above bands.) B) 28.0 - 29.7 MHz (Any emission mode with a necessary bandwidth not exceeding 16 kHz may be used in the above band.) These provisions are of course subject to other applicable licence conditions and voluntary band plan conventions. Until the new arrangements are implemented, Novice and Novice Limited stations are only permitted to operate within the bands detailed in Schedule 3 of the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination No. 1 of 1997 (the Amateur LCD). Following the introduction of the new licensing arrangements, the Unrestricted, Intermediate, Limited and Advanced licences will also generally be subject to 'bandwidth' limitations instead of detailed mode descriptions (8kHz below 28 MHz, 16kHz for the 28 MHz band). The proposed frequency allocations are the same as those allocated now to the Unrestricted, Intermediate and Limited licences (see Schedule 2 of the Amateur LCD). The emission mode and emission restrictions proposed for the Foundation licence reflect the limited knowledge and skill requirements necessary to gain the licence. UNQUOTE To summarize, this means that: LIMITED, INTERMEDIATE, UNRESTRICTED and ADVANCED licence holders will be given access to all HF bands, currently and after the new licensing is in effect; NOVICE, NOVICE LIMITED and STANDARD licence holders will be denied access UNTIL the new licensing comes into being, after which they will be allowed access only on the bands shown in A and B below; and FOUNDATION licence holders will not be eligible to use WL2K. A related consideration was the question of the rights and responsibilities of foreign recreational vessels visiting Australia. Traditionally, New Zealand was considered by many as the preferred layover location for provisioning, refitting and maintenance of boats and systems. Many cruisers would find Australia equally attractive if the regulations concerning visiting yachts were better understood. The questions became more important when many visiting cruisers congregated in Darwin to take part in the Darwin to Bali race. The gist of a report by a local correspondent is: QUOTE There are currently around 68 yachts congregating in Darwin for the annual Darwin/Bali bash http://www.darwinbalirace.com/ and the Bayview Marina, http://www.bayviewmarina.com.au/marina.php commonly known as the "Duck Pond," is pretty crowded. What with SailMail and Winlink boats operating while tied up, I understand some local Hams took exception to the traffic and started making it difficult. The events that followed I need not go into. The ACA accepts that merchant shipping and yachts have the need to operate ship and Ham stations on board (at minimum power) while in port (naval vessels only by prior arrangement) but draw exception to portable gear being taken or operated ashore without a reciprocal licence. Even this is under review and one of the items delaying the new regulations that will hopefully allow foreign licensed Hams to operate freely as happens in Europe. UNQUOTE ACA’s clarification reads: QUOTE Radiocommunications in Australia is regulated by the Radiocommunications Act 1992. This Act may be accessed via the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website. In respect of foreign vessels the Act provides at Section 23(2): "This Act does NOT apply to transmitters or radiocommunications receivers on board a foreign vessel that is travelling, or is in transit, (whether in OR outside Australia) on a voyage: (a) from a point outside Australia to a port in Australia; or (b) from a port in Australia to another point outside Australia; or (c) from a point outside Australia to another point outside Australia." A Foreign Vessel is defined by the Act to mean "a vessel that is not an Australian vessel" Providing that a vessel is not registered in Australia (when it would become an Australian vessel), an Australian Amateur licence is not required whilst the vessel is at sea. Once the vessel berths at a port the situation changes. Operation ON SHORE (including ON the wharf) would need to be authorised by an Australian Amateur Licence. UNQUOTE ACA has been very helpful through its related Media Releases. The one issued as early as December 2003 deserves to be quoted in full.
This all goes to show that Australia through the initiatives of ACA; the support of the new Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA); the inputs of Marc (VK2BUA) – as the Winlink Spokesperson in Australia; and the Winlink Sysops in Australia has made a lot of progress in Amateur Radio and the acceptance of Winlink as the foremost amateur radio digital radio communication system. Proud to be an Australian! AussieWinlink | ||||||
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