RadComms 2026: Convergence, Satellites, 6G and Why It Matters to Amateur Radio

WIA representatives Peter Young VK3MV and Justin Giles-Clark VK7TW attended ACMA RadComms 2026 in Melbourne on 25–26 August, gaining a valuable view of where Australian and international radiocommunications are heading.

A dominant theme was convergence: the move toward 6G networks combining terrestrial mobile, Wi-Fi, IoT and satellite services into seamless AI-enabled Direct-to-Device (D2D) communications. The proposed Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) featured strongly, alongside discussion of LEO satellites, 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Services, possible future use of 600 MHz spectrum, AI-managed networks and the growing Australian space sector. The conference even revealed an impressive Australian connection to Artemis II, with ANU involved in establishing a high-bandwidth optical communications link featured in the Australian Space Agency presentation.

For amateur radio, the second day's international spectrum discussions were particularly significant. ACMA outlined Australia's preparations for WRC-27 in Shanghai and specifically acknowledged the

International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) alongside the radio astronomy community. Satellite D2D, Non-Terrestrial Networks, LEO constellations, spectrum sharing and international regulation are moving rapidly from interesting technologies to major spectrum-policy issues. Understanding where industry, government and the ITU are heading helps the WIA identify developments that could affect amateur allocations and ensures our interests can be represented through the ACMA, IARU and ITU/WRC processes. It was an acronym-rich environment, certainly, but buried among the D2D, UOMO, NR/NTN, MSS and EPFD was a very clear message: competition for and innovative use of radio spectrum will only increase.

Just as importantly, RadComms provided opportunities away from the conference stage. Peter and Justin held numerous discussions with ACMA staff about amateur radio processes, assessor approvals, communications and ways the WIA can assist the regulator in engaging with the amateur community. Encouragingly, they learned that ACMA is putting additional resources into amateur radio processes and met some of the people undertaking that work. These face-to-face relationships between the WIA as amateur radio's peak body and our regulator are invaluable.

And there was one unexpected bonus: Justin met a Melbourne University staff member who had allowed his Foundation licence to lapse, explained the new Class Licence and lifetime qualification arrangements, and he is now reapplying.

73, Justin Giles-Clark VK7TW and Peter Young VK3MV.

Page Last Updated: Friday, 28 Aug 2026 at 10:32 hours by Justin Giles-clark

Click Here To Return To Previous Page