It’s now easier to operate in Australia

UK radio amateurs holding a UK Full licence and visiting Australia no longer have to obtain a separate VK licence.

You can now use your UK callsign stroke VK. Location information should also be given. The time limit on the visits is 90 days.

The conditions of operation are fully set out in the Class Licence, including the 5 levels of operation permitted. The Class Licence may be found on the WIA’s website www.wia.org.au.

The level of operation, which range from the privileges and bands allowed to the Australian Advanced licence to a 146 to 148 MHz low power FM licence (essentially for hand held operation), depends on the level of the overseas licence.

Overseas licences and the equivalent level are set out in the Table of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences which can be found on the ACMA’s website at: http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_1311

This new licence has come about through the efforts of the Wireless Institute of Australia and the IARU, working with the Australian authorities.

Source: GB2RS News - Courtesy of the RSGB