ACMA Land Mobile Licence
- 3 min reading time
Land mobile radio (LMR) systems are widely used for two-way communication by emergency services, transport companies, and private organizations. In Australia, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulates land mobile radio communications through apparatus licensing. This ensures efficient and interference-free communication across various industries.
What is a Land Mobile Licence?
A land mobile licence allows you to operate a two-way radio system. These systems consist of an audio transmitter and receiver, which can be:
- Stationary: Fixed at a specific location
- Mobile: Installed in vehicles such as trucks or taxis
- Portable: Handheld devices like walkie-talkies
A land mobile licence permits communication:
- From a fixed station to one or more mobile stations
- Between mobile stations
This includes communication with aircraft and maritime ship stations, but only on designated land mobile frequencies.
Types of Land Mobile Licences
There are six options for land mobile licences, which vary based on the type of equipment and usage requirements. The Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2015 defines these licence categories.
Licence Conditions
Land mobile licence holders must comply with specific regulations, including:
- Radiocommunications Act 1992
- Licence Condition (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2015
- Licence Conditions (Land Mobile Licence) Determination 2015
- Any additional special conditions applied to the licence
These regulations ensure safe and interference-free communication. The ACMA also provides advisory notes on specific conditions that may apply.
Call Signs for Land Mobile Licences
A call sign is a unique combination of letters and numbers that identifies a station. The ACMA assigns call signs or provides instructions on how to generate one.
Call Sign Usage:
- Must be used at the beginning of each transmission
- Should be stated before starting a series of transmissions
- Required when testing equipment
Call Sign Format for Land Mobile Licences:
A typical call sign format: VKA714
- First three letters: VJ, VK, VL, VM, VN, VZ, or AX, followed by an alpha character
- Numeric character: 2 to 9
- Two additional numeric characters: 0 to 9
Call Sign for CB Repeaters:
- Must be transmitted at least every 5 minutes
- Can be transmitted via Morse code or an electronic voice
- Morse code signals should be in the 700-3000 Hz frequency range at 10-20 words per minute
Licence Fees
The ACMA charges fees for land mobile licences. However, exemptions or concessions may be available under certain conditions.
Device Rules and Standards
In addition to licensing requirements, devices must comply with ACMA's technical standards, including:
- General Equipment Rules (Schedule 5)
- Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2017
- Electromagnetic Energy (EME) Standard (Schedule 4 to the General Equipment Rules)
Devices that do not meet these standards require a permit for supply, use, or possession.
Applying for a Land Mobile Licence
To apply for an assigned land mobile licence, you must contact an accredited person. They will:
- Assign a frequency
- Provide a frequency assignment certificate
- Submit the licence application on your behalf
Transferring a Land Mobile Licence
A licence holder may:
- Transfer the licence to another entity
- Authorize another party to use a device under their licence
How Techwave Can Help
Techwave is an ACMA-accredited for General Licensing. We can help with:
- Identifying the appropriate licence type
- Frequency assignments
- Licence applications and renewals
- Transfer of License
If you need a land mobile radio licence, contact us today for expert guidance and streamlined application support.