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VK7AX > WIA 21.04.25 05:00l 84 Lines 4119 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: Wireless Institute of Australia response to the Australian C
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Wireless Institute of Australia response to the Australian Communications & Media Authority Consultation
Date : 20 / 04 / 2025
Author : Spectrum Strategy Committee
WIA Submission on ACMAâ€Ös Five Year Spectrum Outlook (2025–30)
"Strengthening the Future of Amateur Radio in Australia"
The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) has made a formal submission to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
in response to the draft Five Year Spectrum Outlook (FYSO) 2025–30 and the proposed 2025–26 Work Program.
This document outlines the WIAâ€Ös continued commitment to supporting and advancing the Australian Amateur Service
and ensuring its alignment with contemporary spectrum planning.
The WIA appreciates the opportunity to contribute to this vital consultation process and has highlighted
several priority areas that require attention from ACMA over the coming 12 months to preserve and grow the
role of amateur radio in the national spectrum landscape.
Key Recommendations from the WIA Submission
1. Clarifying Operator Rights Under the Class Licence
The introduction of the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023 was a significant step forward,
but gaps remain in the documentation that amateur operators use to verify their legal operating status.
2. Fixing Callsign Administration in External Territories
Persistent issues with call sign management in Australia's external territories and Antarctic stations continue
to hinder operations and operator confidence.
The WIA is calling for clear policy and procedural updates to ensure that call sign allocation and oversight
are consistent across all Australian regions, including those in unique geopolitical contexts.
3. Planning for Higher Power Access
The WIA has asked ACMA to commit to beginning work in 2026 on a new framework that would provide broader access
to higher transmitter power privileges.
This would align Australian amateur practice more closely with international norms and support a wider range
of technical experimentation and emergency communication capabilities.
4. Enhancing Exam Administration
The administration of the Amateur Radio Assessment system remains an area of concern.
The WIA has recommended improvements to transparency, including clearer processes for syllabus updates and
question bank reviews, ensuring consistency and quality across all levels of amateur radio training and assessment.
5. Streamlining Repeater and Beacon Call Sign Allocations
Amateur clubs and operators continue to face delays and inconsistencies in the allocation of assigned call signs
for repeaters and beacons.
The WIA has requested that ACMA take steps to simplify and accelerate this process, which is critical for
maintaining Australiaâ€Ös repeater infrastructure and experimental stations.
6. Expanding and Preserving Critical Spectrum
The WIA has advocated for expanded access to the 51–52 MHz and 5351.5–5366.5 kHz bands, offering additional
operating flexibility, especially for Foundation and regional operators.
Additionally, the WIA has reiterated the importance of preserving amateur access to the 2300–2302 MHz segment,
which is vital for weak-signal and advanced technical communications.
________________________________________
These recommendations reflect the WIAâ€Ös enduring commitment to ensuring that the Australian Amateur Service
remains a technically vibrant, innovative, and accessible part of the communications ecosystem.
Together, we can ensure a strong and sustainable future for amateur radio in Australia.
Related Files
WIA Submission to ACMA on 5YSO consultation 2025
(WIA Response to the ACMA FYSO - April 2025.pdf)
https://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2025/20250420-1/documents/WIA%20Response%20to%20the%20ACMA%20FYSO%20-%20April%202025.pdf
Page Last Updated: Sunday, 20 Apr 2025 at 13:07 hours by Peter Clee
(Sourced from https://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2025/20250420-1/index.php)
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