Commonwealth Games a huge job for the ACA

The Melbourne Commonwealth Games countdown continues and in preparation for them the Australian Communications Authority has set out the do's and don't of operating communications equipment at the games, as Jim Linton VK3PC reports.

"It is the ACA's mission to provide a reliable telecommunications and radiocommunications environment that allows the Melbourne Games in 2006 to be staged efficiently and safely.

In relation to radiocommunications devices, the ACA is advising all who are going to attend the games that Australia requires them to be licensed.

A key objective of the ACA is to ensure compatibility among
radiocommunications devices. In particular it has warned that the use of VHF or UHF family radio service FRS or personal mobile radio PMR equipment, which is common overseas, is not permitted in Australia. These devices
operate on frequencies allocated for other purposes in Australia and therefore have the potential to cause interference to emergency services and other licensed radiocommunications systems.

The ACA warns that operating an unlicensed radio transceiver is an offence and may result in confiscation under some circumstances.

Cordless telephones that do not comply with Australian Standards and don't display the A-Tick mark are another potential source of radio interference.

The ACA in its publication entitled "The Winning Moment" recommends that inquiries about licensing and other requirements be made before overseas visitors arrive in Australia for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games next year.

Jim Linton VK3PC

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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