Amateur Radio Call Signs
Call signs identify amateur stations and are assigned by the ACMA. Australian amateur call signs follow the international format set by the ITU, beginning with the prefix VK (or VK0 for Antarctic areas), followed by a numeral indicating the state or territory, then a suffix of letters. The numeral generally reflects the licensee's location: for example, VK1 for the ACT, VK2 for New South Wales, VK3 for Victoria, VK4 for Queensland, VK5 for South Australia, VK6 for Western Australia, VK7 for Tasmania, and VK8 for the Northern Territory.
Structure and use
Call signs may include a suffix that identifies the licence level or a special event, and repeaters and beacons have their own call signs. Operators must use the call sign exactly as assigned and must not alter it. Special event call signs may be issued for limited periods. Visiting overseas amateurs may operate under specific arrangements, often using a prefix indicating the host country.
Common traps
Questions frequently test the meaning of the numeral (state or territory, not licence class), the difference between a call sign and a licence document, and whether a licensee may choose an arbitrary suffix (they may not; assignment is by the ACMA). Another trap is confusing Australian prefixes with those of other countries, and assuming that a call sign can be transferred or lent.
Worked example
A station in Victoria is assigned a call sign beginning VK3. Rule of thumb: VK + numeral = location; the suffix is assigned, not chosen.