Like our air, water, and land, the radio spectrum is a shared natural resource. Australia’s radio spectrum is, whilst invisible, one of our most valuable natural resources. Radio enables our ability to communicate, aircraft to navigate, business & government teams to connect with each other, amongst many other activities. The radio spectrum underwrites essential aspects to our way of life, our community functioning, and a stable economy.
Like any natural resource, it must be carefully managed and protected. Misuse or interference can have consequences that ripple throughout the entire community.
We welcome that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has once again demonstrated its commitment to protecting Australia’s radio spectrum by cracking down on the online supply of illegal and non‑compliant radiocommunications devices.
The findings of the report were published in the “Compliance priorities 2024–25 Tackling the online supply of dodgy devices – outcome report. August 2025”
ACMA’s 2024–25 Compliance Program: Key Findings
Between February and March 2025, ACMA undertook a six‑week online audit targeting major e‑commerce and social commerce platforms such as Amazon Australia, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Kogan, Temu, Gumtree, Aliexpress, catch.com.au, and Trading Post.
The results:
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1,162 illegal and non‑compliant devices were found listed for sale.
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958 were unapproved two‑way radios.
The report outlined on page 2: "most sellers were based overseas, primarily using drop shipping models... a significant majority appeared to be individual third-party resellers, and none appeared to specialise in the supply of radiocommunications equipment."
How Dodgy Devices Are a Safety Problem for Australia
Non‑compliant radiocommunication devices, such as unapproved two‑way radios, might look cheap & harmless. But in reality, they can disrupt critical communication channels, degrade the performance of licensed services, and even block access to emergency call services.
This interference can have serious consequences, such as:
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Endangering lives by interfering with emergency service communications.
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Compromising business & government operations that depend on uninterrupted communications.
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Impacting telemetry data networks used for navigation in transport and aviation.
- Running into legal trouble with the ACMA.
Dodgy Devices: The Legal Risk To Your Business
If you are caught operating an illegal two-way radio, the penalties can include:
- A fine up to $412,500.
- Up to 2 years in prison.
If your device is found to be causing interference to emergency services then penalties can include:
- A fine up to $1,375,000.
- Up to 5 years in prison.
Australia also has stringent occupational, health and safety standards where directors of companies can be held personally, criminally liable, for accidents at work. Taking a "short cut" to buy a dodgy device, that let you down when you needed it most, is not a persuasive argument in a coroner's court.
Searching For A Better Online Deal?
The ACMA’s report is a timely reminder that Australian businesses & government teams looking to buy two-way radios online should carefully consider choosing a trusted supplier of critical communications equipment. Thousands of Australian business & government organisations have chosen Radio Warehouse for nearly 20 years. Why?
✅ We only sell business and government-grade radio systems that are type-approved for use in Australia. No toy radios. No illegal or grey imports. We specialise in critical communication solutions.
✅ We are a registered ACMA “Responsible Supplier” under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS).
✅ Our founding leadership team were founding members of the Australian Radio Communication Industry Association (ARCIA) in 2007, which today sets our industry’s standards. Radio Warehouse is a proud corporate member of ARCIA.
✅ Depending on the brand: we are fully authorised resellers, dealers, partners or distributors of every product we stock. We offer complete after-sales, technical and warranty support with every sale.
✅ As an independent, 100% Australian-owned company, we can provide impartial, expert advice about what system will suit your mission. Our solution consultants earn 0% commission!
Your Mission Is Our Passion ®
