Special Amateur Radio short contest callsigns

The UK regulator Ofcom is to make available to individuals special short contest call signs - they had previously only been available to clubs.

The call sign will consist of G or M, a regional locator if applicable, a chosen digit and a chosen suffix letter, e.g. G8Z or GW8Z etc.

520 call signs have been made available: (G)(*)(digit)(A-Z) and (M)(*)(digit)(A-Z). (*Regional locator where relevant as listed in the licence).

The Ofcom announcement says:

Ofcom has considered a request from the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) for the use of special contests call signs for Amateur Full/Reciprocal Licensees who can demonstrate previous regular participation and achievement in special contests.

As a result, subject to availability, Ofcom has decided to make available call signs from the limited number available, to such successful applicants.

Ofcom has amended the application form to enable applications from such licensees.

Please note that special contests call signs for Amateur Full (Club) licensees will continue to be issued for Clubs under existing arrangements, but from 1 January 2011 the criteria for licences currently applying to individuals will also apply to clubs.

Further detail is available in the amended application form which is available at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/
classes/amateur/applications/ofw286.pdf

Ofcom Amateur Radio page
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/
classes/amateur/