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Radio Amateurs

Overview

The Amateur Service is specifically recognised by the ITU with a formal service definition in the Radio Regulations and specific spectrum allocated to it within the International Table of Frequency Allocations.

Article 1.56 of the ITU Radio Regulations define amateur service as "A Radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunications and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is by duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest."

Radio amateurs have used spectrum since the earliest days of radio communications and experimentation by radio amateurs continues to contribute to the development of radiocommunications service and use of the frequency spectrum. In more recent times the amateur community developed the concept of small low earth orbit satellites with a store and forward operating mode and showed the suitability of small satellites for certain applications. Amateurs also contribute to propagation studies either on their own or in assisting research establishments. Operating in small groups amateurs have shown the possibilities of propagation over increasing distances using frequencies above 30 GHz.

From the 1st of June 2009 a new licensing scheme for Amateur Radio Licences will come into force following the implementation of the Wireless Telegraphy (Amateur Station Licence) Regulations 2009 S.I. 192 of 2009. Amateur Radio Licences issued or renewed by ComReg will now be valid for the lifetime of the Licensee.

Authorisation Details

A General Authorisation is not requried before applying for this particular licence type - Please proceed to our Licensing Information

Amateur Licensing

This Amateur Station licensing scheme allows individuals to use radio equipment for the purposes of conducting experiments, intercommunication and engaging in self training in wireless telegraphy.

Why do I need a licence?

Unless licence exempted, all wireless telegraphy equipment requires a licence.

The regulations governing the issue of Radio Amateur Licences are the Wireless Telegraphy Amateur Station Licence) Regulations, 2002 (S.I. 192 of 2009).

How can I apply for a licence?

To obtain an Amateur Licence, the applicant should follow these steps:

Step 1. Guidelines Document

The applicant should read ComReg’s guidance information to familiarise themselves with the licensing scheme and the application requirements.

Amateur Station Licence Guidelines

Step 2. Submitting The Application

There are six different licence types available under the Amateur Station Licensing regime, they are:

CEPT Class 1 and CEPT Class 2 Licences

Club Licence

Automatic Station Licence

Additional Authorisation Temporary Licence

Special Event Temporary Licence

Visitors Temporary Licence

The relevant application forms should be completed and submitted to ComReg along with the full licence fee.
Please note that only applicants who have successfully passed an Experimenter CEPT examination may apply for a licence.

Radio Amateur CEPT Examination

To be eligible to apply for a licence applicants are required to have successfully passed an CEPT level experimenter examination.

Applicants interested in sitting the examination for CEPT level radio theory and regulations for Radio Experimenter stations examinations in Ireland should contact the Irish Radio Transmitter Society (IRTS) for further information. www.irts.ie

Once I have a licence, are there licence obligations to comply with?

Yes, the licensee must comply with the conditions of the wireless telegraphy (Amateur Station Licence) Regulations 2009 S.I. 192 of 2009.

All licencees are responsible for familiarising themselves with the Radio Amateur General Licence Conditions and the Radio Amateur Technical Licence Conditions.

Can I amend my licence?

Yes, see section 4.5 of the guidelines document 09/45 for more information.

Amateur Station Licence Guidelines

Can I cancel my licence?

Yes, see section 4.7 of the Guidelines Document 09/45 for more information.

Maritime Mobile Operation

The Department of Transport has responsibility for all ships radio licensing in Ireland. In order to meet the requirement to ensure safety of life at sea and on waterways it has been agreed between ComReg and the Dept. of transport to introduce a restricted power level of 10dBW for Maritime Mobile operation. In addition all radio amateurs wishing to operate maritime mobile must apply to ComReg using the Additional Authorisations Application Form 09/45d.

Additional Authorisations

Additional frequency bands and/or power levels over those specified in Annex 2 of the Guidelines Document 09/45 are available for amateur use. Such additional authorisations can only be permitted to applicants who hold a valid Amateur Station Licence. They are issued for a maximum period of 12 months. Those wishing to maintain authorisations previously granted by ComReg must reapply once the 12 month period has lapsed using the Additional Authorisations Application Form 09/45d.

Can I contact ComReg if I have a query?

Yes, please contact the Licensing Operations Team in ComReg (tel. 01 8049600), or alternatively please send an e-mail to licensing@ComReg.ie

Amateur Radio Spectrum Management

ComReg’s 2008 – 2010 Spectrum Management Strategy for the Amateur Radio is to:

Implement a once-off, life-time fee structure for Amateur Radio;
Update the current guideline documents to include general access to the 70 MHz band, access to spot frequencies in the 5 MHz band and upgrading of the amateur allocation in the 7100 – 7200 kHz band to primary status.
Facilitate the short term authorisation of visiting experimenters to Ireland;
Modify the format of repeater station callsigns in Ireland in order to differentiate these from personal callsigns;
Consider the allocation of spectrum around 500 kHz on the basis of a common European position.

Radio Interference Investigation

ComReg's Spectrum Compliance Section collates and prioritises interference complaints received according to the potential seriousness of the reported interference, awarding the emergency services (Air Traffic Control, Fire and Ambulance Services and Gardai) the highest priority.

If you are experiencing interference to a wireless service, whether directly licenced by ComReg or not the following procedures apply:

Check your own equipment and installation. It may be that our own equipment is not operating at optimum and/or cables may have become frayed/weathered.
If you do not feel sufficiently knowledgeable to assess your own systems performance, contact your installer/supplier.
If you or your installer have determined that the degradation of your wireless operation is attributable to external interference, please complete the Radio Interference Form and submit to the Spectrum Compliance Section at compliance@comreg.ie

The Spectrum Compliance Team in ComReg investigate cases of interference external to the licensees own installation. This is a service that is provided as part of your license fee and as such there is no charge, therefore please ensure that your license is up to date before you contact ComReg.