ACMA and WIA sign amateur deal

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has signed a contract with the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) to provide a range of services to the amateur radio community.

Under the new arrangements, the WIA will issue amateur certificates of proficiency and make recommendations to ACMA about callsigns and provide examination services to the amateur community.

The WIA has provided examination services for the amateur community for over 15 years on behalf of the Australian government.

Under the new arrangements, ACMA will continue to issue and vary amateur transmitter licences. The WIA will manage all other matters pertaining to amateur licensing including the administration of amateur callsigns.

The WIA will host a public list of all callsigns available for allocation. Amateurs wishing to vary their licences or be issued a new licence by ACMA will need to approach the WIA to be recommended an appropriate callsign.

The new arrangements in regard to callsign recommendation started on 2 March 2009.