UK amateurs enjoying extra spectrum at 7MHz

UK radio amateurs gained access to new frequencies between 7.1 and 7.2MHz from 31 October.

After dark, the band between 7.1 and 7.2MHz is still full of powerful broadcast stations, although some clear frequencies can be found. The band became available on the second day of the CQ World Wide DX Phone Contest. Many UK stations took advantage of the new band by making contest QSOs with stations in the USA on their own frequency, instead of having to work ‘split’ as had been the case when contacting North America on 40 metres SSB.

During the daytime, numerous UK stations are now able to have virtually interference-free inter-G contacts above 7.1MHz. The new band is available to radio amateurs on a Secondary (non-interference) basis until 2009. After the end of March 2009, the broadcast stations should move to other frequencies and 7.1 to 7.2MHz will then become an amateur Primary band.

Amateurs in the Republic of Ireland were also granted access to 7.1 to 7.2MHz towards the end of October, joining those in Croatia, Norway and San Marino who already had access to these frequencies. Radio amateurs in Switzerland will also gain access to 7.1 to 7.2MHz from 1 January 2005.

Notices of Variation for the Foundation, Intermediate and Full licences have been published on the Ofcom website

Source: GB2RS News - Courtesy of the RSGB

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