RSM issues reminder about illegal radios

New Zealand’s Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) agency has issued a reminder to the industry and the public concerning the supply and use of illegal radios.

In its monthly update for November, RSM said, “Two-way radios (also known as walkie talkies) are easily bought online but some overseas models are illegal in New Zealand.

“For example, radio brand names such as Baofeng, Pofung and Wouxun are in most cases illegal to own or operate. Only persons that hold an amateur radio certificate of competency can use this equipment.”

RSM has also issued a reminder concerning non-compliant Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) devices, saying, “Devices that operate on the MURS frequency band are illegal to supply and operate in NZ.

“These devices are designed to operate on US allocated frequencies between 151–154 MHz. In NZ these frequencies are allocated to Land Mobile services and need a licence crafted by an engineer. Operating a MURS device in NZ can cause interference to critical radio services.”

Examples of MURS radio devices are:

• low-power handheld two-way radios
• animal tracking devices
• short-range intercoms
• range extenders for smartphones.
   

RSM said that anyone planning to import or purchase equipment operating in the frequency range 151–154 MHz, whether from online sources or from overseas, should first check with RSM to ensure compliance.

Infringement penalties range from $350 to $1700 and prosecution is likely for serious non-compliance.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Rechitan Sorin