Entry level amateur radio licences

The successful introduction of Amateur Radio Foundation Licences, particularly in Britain and Australia, continues to be food for thought in a number of other countries. With the story, VK3PC Jim Linton.

The latest to declare such an interest is the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) which is looking at the possible introduction of a Foundation type licence.

New Zealand currently has a single licence restructure having abandoned its Novice licence, which was not a success and, in its final year, had only about a dozen on issue.

NZART says a Foundation Licence will be considered over coming months with both the British and Australian models being examined for their suitability.

Canada is still in favour of a new entry amateur radio licence. However the thought there at the moment is that it should be of a limited tenure in order to encourage licensees to upgrade.

The regulator Industry Canada is talking about the new licence being introduced in years, rather than months.

Australia's near neighbour Papua New Guinea is also looking at the possible introduction of a Foundation Licence.

And decisions are yet to be made on a commonly agreed Foundation licence that can be adopted by member nations of the European Community.

Jim Linton, VK3PC