Call Sign Changes Down Under

An Australian ham's call sign will no longer necessarily be an indication of his/her license class. According to the Wireless Institute of Australia, the country's communications regulator recently approved allowing entry-level Foundation Class licensees to use digital modes. However, the software for some of those modes does not recognize the Foundation Class 2x4 call sign structure (e.g., VK2FABC). As a result, the entire call sign structure is being changed, with all amateur allowed to apply for 2x3 calls and removing the association between callsign suffixes and license privileges. However, 2x2 calls will still be available only to Advanced Class licensees.