What you need to know to operate communications equipment in Australia
1. Each radio device you operate must be licensed
If you wish to operate a radio device in Australia, you must have a radiocommunications licence. Your radio device may suffer or cause interference if it is unlicensed, and operating an unlicensed device is an offence - a device may be confiscated under some circumstances.
For some devices, operation may already be authorised by a class licence. A class licence allows everyone to operate certain types of radiocommunications devices, provided the device is operated according to the conditions of the licence. Information about class licences can be obtained from the Australian Communications Authority's (ACA) internet site at www.aca.gov.au/licence/class/index.htm
If a class licence is not suitable for your device, you may require an individual apparatus licence. You can lodge an application for a licence with the ACA-together with payment if applicable-before you arrive in Australia. Licence application forms can be obtained from the ACA's internet site at www.aca.gov.au/publications/forms/index.htm#apparatus
Contact the ACA via email at: sqro@aca.gov.au to discuss your radiocommunications licensing requirements.
2. Communications devices cannot be connected to a telecommunications network unless properly authorised
You must not connect equipment to a telecommunications network unless that equipment has been authorised for use in Australia.
Under some circumstances, operation of equipment such as facsimile machines, computer modems, or any other device that is connected to a telecommunications network, may affect the integrity of the network or endanger the health and safety of the operator or others.
The ACA requires telecommunications devices to be labelled to indicate their compliance with Australian rules and regulations. These compliance labels can be viewed on the ACA's internet site at www.aca.gov.au/standards/marks.htm
If you need to connect to an Australian telecommunications network, and your equipment is not properly labelled to show compliance with Australian requirements, then you must seek the permission of the telecommunications network manager to connect the equipment. Telstra is the telecommunications carrier supplying services to CHOGM and the relevant network manager. You should discuss your options with CHOGM organisers or Telstra before you connect equipment to the network at a CHOGM venue or hotel. For further information, refer to Telstra's internet site at www.telstra.com.au
3. Communications equipment must be compatible with Australia's main power grid
Differences in technical arrangements between countries can lead to fatal injuries to both the equipment operator and others near the equipment.
Australia's main power supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. If your communications equipment operates at a different voltage or different power line frequency, you must not connect that item of equipment to the Australian power network or an Australian telecommunications network.
Discuss your options with an electrician to determine the most appropriate means to operate your equipment. For further information, refer to the Energex internet site at www.energex.com.au
4. For emergency services, dial '000'
Emergency services in Australia can be contacted on '000' from all telephones. If calling from a digital GSM mobile telephone, emergency services can also be accessed by dialling '112'.
To help the emergency services operator, you should:
