ACMA Crackdown Sees Sharp Drop in Illegal Radiocommunications Devices

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has reported a significant reduction in the number of illegal and non-compliant radiocommunications devices being offered for sale online, following its ongoing compliance campaign and the introduction of the Equipment Safety Pledge.

A recent ACMA audit found 361 illegal or non-compliant listings, down from 1,162 in the previous audit, representing a 69% reduction. The devices identified included non-compliant two-way radios, illegal jammers, mobile phone boosters and unauthorised cellular mobile repeaters, all of which have the potential to interfere with legitimate radiocommunications services, including emergency communications.

For radio amateurs, the message is simple: always ensure equipment purchased online complies with Australian requirements before transmitting. While many imported radios are perfectly legal when configured correctly, others may not meet Australian standards or may operate on frequencies where they are not authorised. The responsibility for lawful operation ultimately rests with the operator.

The ACMA encourages consumers to buy from reputable suppliers, check compliance information before purchasing and report suspected illegal equipment. These measures help protect the integrity of Australia's radio spectrum and reduce the risk of harmful interference to licensed services.

For more information, including advice on identifying compliant equipment, visit the ACMA's Equipment Safety pages at Link

Sourced from the ACMA News Articles at Link

Page Last Updated: Saturday, 25 Jul 2026 at 08:44 hours by Justin Giles-clark

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