Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Limited
AWA
1922 – 1952
Australian wireless company in which the Commonwealth held a controlling shareholding, operating Australia's overseas beam wireless services and the coastal radio service to shipping, and manufacturing radio equipment.
How it came into existence
AWA had been formed as a private company in 1913 from the Australian interests of the Marconi and Telefunken companies. Under an agreement ratified by the Wireless Agreement Act 1922 the Commonwealth acquired a controlling shareholding; AWA took over operation of the coastal radio stations and undertook to build a direct wireless service to Britain.
Legislation: Wireless Agreement Act 1922
Changes during its life
- April 1927Opened the beam wireless telegraph service between Australia and Britain.
- Overseas beam wireless services
- Coastal radio stations
How it ended
Its overseas wireless services and coastal radio stations passed to the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (Australia) in 1947, and the Commonwealth sold its shareholding in the early 1950s, leaving AWA a wholly private company.
Main functions
- Overseas beam wireless telegraph and telephone services
- Coastal radio service to shipping
- Radio and electronic equipment manufacture
- Wireless technical services
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Postmaster-General's Department.
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.