Big Changes to CB Radio in Australia: What You Need to Know for 2025

Summary of Changes:

  • FM on HF now legal (from 1 October 2025)
  • Internet linking allowed – connect CB stations via IP
  • Emergency channels kept (HF Ch 9, UHF Ch 5 & 35)
  • Call channel rule removed – start contacts on any channel
  • On-air behaviour rule scrapped – harassment now a police matter
  • ID bursts under 400 ms permitted
  • Obsolete telecom provisions removed
  • Inspector directions clarified – with right of appeal
  • Telemetry/data channels unchanged (for now)

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has officially announced changes to the CB class licence, due to take effect from 1 October 2025.

These updates are some of the biggest in years — legalising FM on HF, allowing internet linking, and confirming the future of the emergency channels. But, as always, there are a few catches. Some rules have been relaxed, others removed entirely, and a couple tightened up.

Let’s break down exactly what’s changed, why it matters, and what it means for you as a CB operator.

FM Now Allowed on HF CB

Until now, CB operators in Australia were limited to AM or SSB on HF. Many imported radios already had FM built in, but it wasn’t legal to use.

From October 2025, FM will finally be permitted on the 27 MHz HF CB band.

Why is this a big deal?

  • Clearer local comms – FM is known for its cleaner audio and reduced background noise.
  • In line with the rest of the world – The US and Europe have had FM on 27 MHz for decades.
  • Community support – All 17 submissions on this proposal supported the change.

This is a major win for CBers, especially those using HF for local contacts.

Call Channel Requirement Removed

Previously, you were supposed to initiate calls on designated call channels:

  • HF: Channels 11 and 16
  • UHF: Channel 11

That rule is now gone.

Why? Times have changed. Most groups — truck drivers, 4WD clubs, campers — use their own “go-to” channels. The formal call-and-move system is outdated.

While some communities argued these call channels are still useful, the ACMA decided to scrap the rule. Of course, you can still use Channel 11 if you want, but it’s no longer compulsory.

Altered Radios – No More Inspector Consent

The old licence had a quirky clause: inspectors could grant written permission to alter a CB radio for testing. In reality, this was never used.

Now the rule is simple:

  • If you modify your radio and it causes interference, it’s illegal.
  • No exceptions. No inspector sign-off.

On-Air Behaviour Rule Removed

Previously, the licence banned using CB to harass or offend others. That condition is now gone.

The ACMA’s reasoning:

  • They regulate spectrum use, not behaviour.
  • Harassment is already covered under criminal law, just like on phones or social media.
  • They were rarely involved in “on-air behaviour” cases anyway.

Most submissions wanted to keep the rule as a deterrent, but ACMA stood firm. From now on, if someone’s abusive on CB, the only recourse is to record it and report it to police.

Identification Bursts Allowed

Modern radios often send a short digital ID burst after a transmission (like location data or a callsign).

The new rules allow this, provided the burst is 400 ms or less.

This keeps CB legal for emerging features like auto-tagging and GPS integration, without locking out new technology.

Directions & Enforcement Clarified

Inspectors, police, or authorised officers can still give directions (for example, during an emergency).

The difference now is that operators have the right to appeal if they think a direction was unreasonable.

This adds a welcome layer of fairness.

Telecommunications Network Clause Removed

The old licence had rules about connecting CB radios to the telecom network (a throwback to landline patching in the 80s/90s).

That’s long obsolete, so ACMA has removed it.

Internet Linking Legalised

This is one of the most exciting changes. CB stations can now be legally linked over the internet.

That means:

  • Private networks – e.g., linking a Hobart CB to a Sydney CB via IP.
  • Custom-built systems – using technologies like AllStar or RoIP.

The important limitation: links must remain CB-to-CB only. You cannot legally interconnect with amateur radio systems or public networks.

Emergency Channels Retained

The hottest topic during consultation was whether to keep the emergency channels:

  • HF: Channel 9
  • UHF: Channels 5 & 35

Despite mobile phones, most submissions strongly supported keeping them. Many cited disasters — bushfires, floods, comms blackspots — where these channels proved vital.

ACMA agreed. The channels remain reserved for emergency use, and the rules have been updated to also allow coordination and training during emergencies.

Remember: emergency services don’t monitor these channels 24/7. They only work if others in the community are listening. Always call 000 first if you can.

Telemetry/Data Channels – No Change (Yet)

There was discussion about converting UHF channels 22 & 23 to narrowband data, and opening 61–63 for telemetry.

Feedback was mixed. In the end, ACMA left things as they are — but flagged this as an area for future review.

What It All Means

From 1 October 2025, CB radio in Australia gets some long-overdue updates:

✅ FM on HF CB – clearer audio, finally legal
✅ Internet linking – opening the door for CB networks over IP
✅ Emergency channels kept – still there when you need them

At the same time, outdated provisions are being removed, and some rules tightened for clarity.

Overall, it’s a positive step forward for CB operators, modernising the licence while still preserving the community-based spirit of the service.

Source: ACMA https://www.acma.gov.au/consultations/2025-05/changes-cb-radio-arrangements

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