AiTi, police join to clear airwaves

THE Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry (AiTi) and Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) yesterday carried out an operation on roads to clamp down on unlicenced amateur radio operators who could disrupt emergency communications.

Ak Saiful Rozman Pg Roslee, assistant manager of AiTi's Monitoring and Enforcement Unit, said that those who are unlicenced could be operating out of the assigned bandwidth onto restricted radio frequencies, which could have dire consequences.

"These radios are manufactured to operate 137 to 174 megahertz, and AiTi has assigned a particular band, 144 to 148 to be used for amateur radio purposes," he told The Brunei Times.

He added that the regulations and information regarding the restrictions are part of the examinations to obtain the amateur radio licence. "Someone could just be playing about with their radio, and could disrupt communications."

"It is a bit more serious if you are handling or operating an ambulance service. It will really disrupt your communications service, important communications," he added.

With the possibility that other government agencies, police and military potentially operating within those bands, AiTi wants to ensure that no such scenario arises.

"This is where we have to come in and approve the equipment, make sure it is working in the particular band, our licensees know our regulations and we put them into our exam," said the assistant manager, adding that they need to inspect the equipment and the people operating it.

Ak Saiful Rozman also highlighted the importance of collaboration between AiTi and law enforcement agencies.

"Our order (Telecommunications Order 2001) requires a lot of assistance with police in regards to seizing, arresting and bringing to court. This is where we need from enforcement and how to read law and handle situations."

Yesterday's operation was to inspect for amateur radio users who have installed the radios in their vehicles. The collaborative effort was the first time AiTi and RBPF set up roadblocks to catch offenders, with two individuals caught without valid licences.

The Brunei Times