70cm petition is disinformation

An e-petition to the Prime Minister’s office, originated just before the Easter break and entitled '70cmsband', has generated what might be described as a 'lemming like' response from the amateur radio community, according to a statement issued by the Radio Society of Great Britain.

The statement, carried on the Society's website, continues: "Unfortunately, the basis for the petition has no foundation in truth. The RSGB currently enjoys a good working relationship in negotiations with both Ofcom and the Ministry of Defence, where 70cms and other shared bands are concerned. This type of disinformation could undermine the relationship.

"A concern to both the amateur radio services and the MoD is the growing proliferation of Short Range Devices (SRDs) that are operating in the 70cm band and raising the noise floor.  A recent trial that used 433MHz channels as inputs for D-Star equipment tests proved to be unsuccessful due to the high noise floor. 

"According to an EU Directive the official SRD sub-band within 70cms is 433.05-434.79 MHz using a maximum of 10mW ERP.  This includes handheld Low Power Devices (LPDs) permitted to use FM voice on channels that include a number of repeater inputs.

"The RSGB would advise members and non-members to check the facts with the RSGB, your national society, before adding your name to such petitions.  This could avoid any embarrassment."

Source: RSGB