ACMA/WIA Sign Contract For WIA Management Of Certain Amateur Licensing Functions

On 28 January 2009, Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Chairman Chris Chapman signed a Deed between ACMA and the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA). The Deed sets out the conditions under which the WIA will manage amateur examinations, the issue of certificates of proficiency and callsign recommendations for the next 5 or (at the WIA's option) 10 years.

From Monday 2 February 2009, the WIA will issue amateur certificates of proficiency, in addition to conducting amateur examinations (including special examinations). An Assessor Alert will be issued and other information about examinations will be published on the WIA website before 2 February 2009.

ACMA will continue to issue callsigns until Friday 27 February 2009. From Monday 2 March 2009, the WIA will become responsible for the management of all levels of amateur callsigns, including special, repeater and beacon callsigns. Under the new arrangements, all amateurs wishing to be issued a callsign must apply to the WIA for a callsign recommendation. Upon application, the WIA will provide a recommendation for an appropriate callsign and issue a letter to the applicant. This letter will be a necessary part of ACMA's amateur transmitter licence application process.

It is anticipated that a list of all callsigns available for selection will be placed on the WIA website before 2 March 2009. This list will be accompanied by a release setting out full details of the new callsign-recommendation process.

Further details of the new arrangements will be posted shortly on the ACMA and WIA websites.

Queries may be directed to the WIA National Office, or to ACMA by email at lais@acma.gov.au

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