Outpost licences

An outpost licence lets you operate a station in:

• the MF or HF bands
• a remote area where there is no connection to a telco network.

Where there is connection to a network, the station can only operate in an emergency.

There are 2 options for outpost licences:

• assigned apparatus licence
• class licence (previously a non-assigned apparatus licence).

Outpost assigned licence

This licence lets you operate a base station in a remote location.

Base stations provide:

• emergency medical aid services
• certain public communications where there is no connection to a telco network.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia is currently the only organisation that has this licence.

The Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2015 defines an outpost licence.

You can find more information about outpost assigned licences in the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Outpost Licence) Determination 2015.

Outpost station class licence (previously non-assigned licence)

This licence option is for stations that are not base stations and provide:

• emergency medical aid services
• certain public communications where there is no connection to a telco network.

From 31 May 2022, you can operate any outpost station that is not a base station under the Radiocommunications (Outpost Stations) Class Licence 2022.  

You can no longer apply for a non-assigned licence. If you still hold a non-assigned licence and wish to surrender it, you may be eligible for a refund. You can find out further details on our website.

When you have an outpost assigned licence, you must follow the conditions of your licence.

These include:

• conditions of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act)
• Licence Condition (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2015
• Licence Conditions (Outpost Licence) Determination 2015
• other special conditions on your licence.

These conditions help you communicate safely and without interference.

We will include information you should be aware of under 'advisory notes'.

You must identify your station every time you:

• start a transmission or series of transmissions
• finish a transmission or series of transmissions.

You may use any form of station identification. This may include:

• the operator’s name
• SelCall number
• vehicle registration number
• physical location
• a call sign previously issued with a licence.

We charge fees for apparatus licences.

In some circumstances, you can apply for a licence fee exemption or concession.

To apply for an outpost assigned licence, you should contact an accredited person.

They can:

• assign you a frequency
• give you a frequency assignment certificate
• apply for your licence for you.

Transfer an outpost assigned licence

You can apply to:

• transfer your outpost assigned licence to someone else

• let someone else use a device under your outpost assigned licence.

See technical details for outpost licences.