RSGB discusses 70cm licensing with MoD officials

The first of a series of meetings between the Society and the Ministry of Defence to discuss the future of the 70cm band took place at the Riverside House offices of Ofcom on Friday 25 February. The Society team led by the President Jeff Smith, MI0AEX, and General Manager Peter Kirby, G0TWW, met members of the Defence Spectrum Management team. Members of Ofcom staff were also in attendance.

Most radio amateurs will know that as the primary user the Ministry of Defence imposed a freeze on licensing of 70cm amateur service unattended data nodes and repeaters in February 2002 and this meeting was the first towards the lifting of these restrictions.

The Ministry of Defence placed on record that they wish to work with the RSGB as the representatives of the UK amateur service on a partnership basis, and there was no wish to deprive the amateur radio community of the facilities previously available to them.

The RSGB is also talking to the MoD through Ofcom with regard to interference being experienced on the 2m band primarily in Northern Ireland. These discussions are ongoing

Source: GB2RS News - Courtesy of the RSGB

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