RSGB says 'No' to free lifetime license

The Radio Society of Great Britain is saying no to a government proposal for a free license for life.

Jim Linton, VK3PC, is here with the rest of the story:

Britain's radio regulator, Ofcom is considering the introduction of a free licence for life for radio amateurs that, on the surface, looks like a good deal.

VK radio amateurs had the same offer made to them in August 2003 by the Australian Communications Authority, as part of the Review of Amateur Service Regulation.

The Wireless Institute of Australia and the overwhelming number of respondents to that review, rejected the concept of a licence fee free Class Licence.

The concern was that without paying a licence fee, radio amateurs could only expect minimal service and in particular help with interference resolution, from the ACA.

The RSGB is telling its membership what it believes are the implications of Ofcom's "Spectrum Review" published in late 2004 and in the yet to be published "Future of Amateur Radio Licensing" consultation document.

The RSGB believes it's vital to stop any attempts to de-regulate the hobby, therefore, any movement towards a licence for life must be opposed.

It believes that a free licence is likely to be followed, in a few years, with deregulation. Among the ramifications of such a move would be removal of the need for amateur licence exams and the opening up of the amateur bands to
other users.

Jim Linton VK3PC

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