Australian amateurs get 2×1 contest callsigns
The Radio Amateur Society of Australia (RASA) has successfully negotiated the issue of 2×1 callsigns (e.g. VK2A) for VK contest stations.
“RASA developed terms of reference for a cross-sector committee to review options and make recommendations on how 2 x 1 callsigns could be implemented. Calls for expressions of interest to join the committee were promulgated widely. The committee was comprised of experienced contesters from across Australia” RASA President, Glenn VK4DU said.
“The committee developed a series of recommendations, which we discussed with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).”
“I am very pleased to report that ACMA have agreed to our recommendations and that the VK 2 x 1 block (i.e. VK0A-VK9Z) will be made available for contest stations” Glenn said.
The block will be managed directly by the ACMA’s outsourced provider, the Australian Maritime College (AMC). AMC will issue a letter of authorisation to each successful applicant. There will be no separate licence issued.
2 x 1 callsigns will be available for Advanced licence holders, and each callsign will be issued for 12 months. The callsigns are only for use in contests – they are not available for general use.
“Because of the limited number of callsigns available, the applicant must illustrate an ongoing commitment to contest operation by making a minimum 750 contacts over 4 contests in a 12-month period.” Glenn said.
The AMC is currently preparing for implementation of the new callsign block. A further announcement will follow when AMC is ready to start issuing callsigns.
