Hi All,
I have read this post before - and I have got the point where I am sick and tired of the lengthy delays and processes involved in both a normal amateur licence and repeater licence. I spoke to a commercial operator the other day who said that their licences take "days" to go through. Not saying that amateur licences should be that fast - just quicker than 6 months.
I have submitted two licence applications around 2-3 months ago now. First and foremost the WIA website states here -
http://www.wia.org.au/members/tac/repeaterlicence/
"Upon receipt all applications will be issued with a reference number for tracking purposes, and an acknowledgement letter sent to the nominated club/organisation representative"
I did not receive one of these until I followed it up myself. I had to email the WIA manager for the tracking numbers associated with my licences. I also have had to follow up with the RABC person several times to see at what stage my applications were - the response I received was not an acceptable one as detailed below in the "email trail".
I have now gotten to the stage of emailing the WIA President - VK2ASD (
http://www.wia.org.au/joinwia/wia/board/. I would recommend
ALL other people who have had a similar problem also do this, so that we can get some acceptable resolution in regards to repeater and general licences. It is completely unacceptable too when I hear that a Foundation station has passed the exam and upgraded his licence to an Advanced and he has been waiting months for his "new" callsign to come through - with no updates as to what is happening.
I note there are some people that state "just run the repeater on test, or licence it and then build the gear waiting for the site etc". In some cases, you can't licence it at the site due to you not having site access yet - that may cause a problem. Also some sites are impossible to visit every couple of days to "switch on and off" when it is running portable or "testing".
Below is an email list -
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Hayden
Date: Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 10:13 AM
Subject: Repeater Licence Application time duration
To: vk2asd
Hi Phil,
Sorry to bother you, but I think this matter should be brought to your attention.
I have submitted two repeater applications (over 2 months ago now) and I have not been updated, nor informed as to what stage they are at. According to the website, I should receive a tracking number for each application, which I only got once I asked for it.
Below is a list of email conversations with M and P. The responses from P are unacceptable as "I will let you know" does not answer my initial question. I think it is entirely unacceptable that I should have to wait at least 4 months+ for a repeater application (or indeed licence change). This has been an ongoing issue since the introduction of all applications through the central WIA RABC.
I await your response.
Regards
Hayden
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Hayden
Date: Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 4:04 PM
Subject: Fwd: Repeater Applications
To: M
Hi M
Received this response from P on Friday. Once again, same response and not answering my question.
Some further feedback - I used to be a WIA member - I did not renew my membership due to a similar problem last time I submitted some repeater applications. Also, what is happening with licence fees always on the increase? I noticed it has gone up to $73 now.
Regards
Hayden
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: P
Date: Fri, Apr 12, 2013 at 7:26 AM
Subject: RE: Repeater Applications
To: Hayden
Hi Hayden,
Sorry been away a few days. I will let you know
Cheers P
On Mon, Apr 8, 2013 at 1:44 PM, M wrote:
Hello Hayden,
I'll follow up with P. I believe he's overseas at the moment, but I'll get back to you when I have news.
Regards,
M
On 5/04/2013 1:22 PM, Hayden wrote:
Hi M,
I have emailed P requesting an update on the progress of my applications. I have not received a response.
As you can see below - I did not ask if the amendments had been received. I have sent another email yesterday asking if there had been any progress on the applications. The gear has arrived and we would like to see them implemented.
I am disappointed that it has taken almost 2 months for the TAC, and I have still not been updated of where the applications are at - including not receiving a posted confirmation with the reference numbers - as outlines here:
http://www.wia.org.au/members/tac/repeaterlicence/. It was only after I had to contact you, did I find this out. I also note that you advise the ACMA may also take up to 60 days to process the application there end. From past experience with Repeater Applications being sent to the RABC first, I find it most ridiculous that the timeframes expected are now amounting over 3-6 months. Please forward these feedback comments on, and I look forward to your response,
Regards
Hayden
From: Hayden
Sent: Thursday, 4 April 2013 12:19
To: P
Subject: Re: Repeater Applications
Hi P,
Has there been any progress on the applications for the repeaters yet? The gear has arrived, we are nearly ready to install.
Regards
Hayden
On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 9:31 PM, M wrote:
Hi Hayden,
I got all your amendments. I will let you know.
Cheers P
From: Hayden
Sent: Thursday, 14 March 2013 11:03
To: @.com.au
Subject: Repeater Applications
Hi P,
I just wondered where the applications are at for the following repeater proposals.
2013/VK7/XXXX - EDITED
2013/VK7/XXXX EDITED
Regards
Hayden