Govt mandates ASOC for operating as an amateur station operator

On 29-10-2024, the Ministry of Communications notifies the Telecommunications (Amateur Services) Rules, 2024 to foster innovation and enhance efficiency of amateur radio services. The provisions came into force 30-10-2024.

Key Points:

1. The Central Government (‘CG’) can grant Amateur Station Operator Certificate (‘ASOC’) to following 2 categories:

   • ASOC- General

   • ASOC- Restricted

2. Eligibility criteria for obtaining ASOC:

   • Person being a citizen of India;

     ✓ Is not less 12 years of age;

     ✓ Has qualified the Amateur station operator examination;

     ✓ Exception- a non-citizen of India who has cleared administrative clearance and the CG has permitted the grant of ASOC.

   • CG can allow a non- citizen of India to apply for an ASOC on certain conditions:

     ✓ Approval from Ministry of External Affairs;

     ✓ Such a person should hold a certificate from their country which is like ASOC.

     ✓ Application for ASOC should be applied through a specified form on the portal along with the fee of Rs. 1000.

   • CG will specify the list of the countries, the certificates granted by which will be considered for grant of ASOC.

3. Amateur station operator examination: people satisfying the eligibility criteria can:

   • Make an application to appear in this examination one month before the date of examination.

   • Examination fee of Rs. 100 has to be paid;

   • CG will publish the syllabus, place, manner, date and time for examination including the date of announcement of results.

   • Minimum passing percentage will be 40% of the total marks.

4. Grant and validity of ASOC:

   • Fees:

     ✓ ASOC (General)- Rs. 1000 for validity period of 20 years;

     ✓ ASOC (Restricted)- Rs. 20000 for lifetime validity.

   • On successful completion of examination, payment for the grant of ASOC should be made within 2 years from the date of declaration of results.

5. Application for Renewal of ASOC should be made 12 months prior to the date of expiry.

   In case, the application is made after expiry, a late of Rs. 1000 has to be paid.

6. Suspension/ Cancellation of ASOC can be done by CG, if ASOC holder:

   • Failed to comply with terms and conditions of ASOC under these rules;

   • Failed to comply the applicable provisions of International Telecommunication Convention or the Radio Regulations;

   • Furnish incorrect information willfully.