ACMA warns amateur radio operators after breach of Act

The ACMA has put amateur radio operators on notice that they need to abide by the law following the prosecution of an operator from Melbourne’s western suburbs.

The man that breached the Radiocommunications Act 1992 pleaded guilty in the Werribee Magistrates Court on 11 January 2012 to several offences after an extensive investigation.

The offences included unlicensed operation of a radiocommunications device, unlawful possession of a radiocommunications device and causing interference to radiocommunications. They can carry penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment.

Up to August 2009, the defendant had been a licensed amateur radio operator but was investigated by the ACMA following extensive complaints about interference. As a result, the ACMA cancelled the defendant’s amateur licence. He continued to use his amateur radio regularly from his home unlicensed, jamming other licensed amateur users.

After further complaints, the authority traced the interfering signal back to the defendant’s home a number of times. However, despite warnings, the complaints continued. The execution of the search warrant by the ACMA in September 2011 confirmed that the defendant had a large amount of radiocommunications equipment, contrary to the Act. Tests confirmed that the equipment was set to the radio frequencies that had been interfered with.

The court placed the defendant on a 12-month good behaviour bond, ordered him to dispose of all of the seized equipment within four months and prove to the ACMA in writing that he had disposed of the equipment.

The ACMA reminds amateur operators that interference to amateur radio frequencies, particularly by the jamming of signals, can have a serious impact on safety, particularly in emergencies. All amateur licensees should be aware of and must operate their station in accordance with the Act and the licence conditions relating to the type of licence held.