What is Amateur Radio?

Welcome to Ham Radio!

Amateur radio (also called "ham radio") is a hobby and service where licensed operators use radio equipment to communicate with each other — across town, across the country, or around the world.

Unlike a mobile phone or the internet, amateur radio doesn't rely on any infrastructure. No cell towers, no ISPs, no satellites (well, sometimes satellites!). You transmit directly from your radio to another person's radio using radio waves.

Why Do People Do It?

• Emergency communications: When phones and internet fail during disasters, amateur radio often keeps working. Ham operators provided critical communications during bushfires, cyclones, and floods across Australia.
• Experimenting with technology: Build your own antennas, radios, and digital systems. It's hands-on electronics and RF engineering.
• Making friends worldwide: Talk to people in other countries using just a wire antenna and a radio. No internet needed.
• Contesting and awards: Competitive events where you try to contact as many stations as possible in a set time.
• Community service: Providing communications for events, search and rescue, and emergency services.
• It's just fun! There's something magical about talking to someone thousands of kilometres away using equipment you built or set up yourself.

Amateur Radio in Australia

In Australia, amateur radio is regulated by ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority). You need a license to transmit, but anyone can listen — you only need a license to press the transmit button.

The national amateur radio society is the WIA (Wireless Institute of Australia), which administers exams and represents amateurs.

The Three License Grades