Ofcom - 5 MHz Experiment + Amateur Licence Fee

Ofcom have made two announcements today regarding Amateur Radio.

The first extends permission for amateur radio operation in the 5 MHz experimental bands from 31 July 2006 to 30 June 2010. See:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/
classes/amateur/Notices/20021001

The second concerns licence fees.

Following Ofcom's consultation "Wireless Telegraphy Act Licence Fee Proposals for encouraging internet licensing", Ofcom has today published draft regulations which will make ship radio, ship portable radio and amateur radio licences free for online licensing. It is expected that these changes will come into force in October 2006.

Further information can be found at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/internetlicence/statement/

PDF at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/
internetlicence/statement/Statement.pdf

The Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society (CARS) is specifically mentioned in two places in the statement

"2.5 Some respondents, including the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) and the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society (CARS) felt that licences should not be free, because this may lead to the hobby becoming devalued, further
deregulation of amateur radio"

and

"2.10 Several respondents including CARS and the RSGB raised concerns over the paperbased licence fee to applicants over 75 and under 21. Such respondents did not think that the £20 lifetime fee for paper-based licences was fair and a few respondents alleged that such action may be discriminatory. Ofcom refutes that such action would be discriminatory as it was intending to ensure the same
treatment to all holders of the class. Nevertheless, in response to the concerns raised, Ofcom has now decided not to introduce a fee for applicants aged 75 years or over who apply for a licence by post. However, Ofcom intends to keep this proposal under review in future years and may make further changes to the regulations. Further consultation would be necessary to make further changes."

The good news is that over 75's will not now be charged for paper-based licences.

73 Trevor M5AKA