Hamnet frequencies

A decision has been taken to revert to 7,060 MHz in the
40m band for Hamnet activities, with immediate effect.
(Hamnet is South Africa's emergency communications organisation)

On 28 March 2009, the majority of commercial radio stations, members of the international broadcasters' organisation, vacated the 7,100 to 7,200 MHz segment as decided at WRC-03.

Unfortunately, many non-members of this organisation have not yet vacated the band segment and one such station is still active around 7,110 MHz. This is causing problems with the effective monitoring and use of 7,110 MHz as the centre of activity for emergency communications.

It was suggested that 7,110 MHz still be monitored occasionally if only to ascertain whether the station in question has ceased to transmit. Hamnet could then decide to retain its current frequency or move to the Region 1 allotted emergency portion of the 40 m band. Subsequently, it was decided that the 7,060 MHz frequency would again become the preferred emergency frequency for Hamnet in southern Africa.

All other frequencies remain unchanged, but a frequency in the 30 m band is also being considered even though this band is not open to ZU and ZR operators. With conditions what they are at present, for longer distances during the day, the 10 MHz band is often a better alternative.