Ofcom to take over amateur radio work from RSGB

Communications regulator Ofcom will take over a series of amateur radio administrative tasks from 1 January 2006.

The tasks include managing the repeater and packet radio networks, issuing NoVs for special event callsigns, contest callsigns and operation on 5 MHz and providing permits for amateur radio research and Raynet operations.

These roles were previously undertaken by the Radio Society of Great Britain on behalf of Ofcom and its predecessor the Radio Communications Agency. The Society received an annual subsidy for this work and was therefore able to issue NoVs free of charge. As part of a review of amateur radio procedures, Ofcom has decided to take these roles in-house. The management will now be carried out from Ofcom’s headquarters in London.

RSGB General Manager Peter Kirby, G0TWW, welcomed the changes. “I am delighted with this decision. It shows Ofcom’s commitment to amateur radio and will provide a slicker service to the amateur radio community as Ofcom can provide more resources than the RSGB.” he said

Peter also said that the shake-up would “allow the RSGB to revert to being a truly representative organisation able to concentrate fully on representing its members and all UK radio amateurs to Ofcom and other governmental bodies.”

Ofcom’s Steve Roper, G8MXZ, praised the RSGB for carrying out the administrative roles in the past and for providing a very efficient service over many years. He said: “Ofcom has a duty to manage the amateur radio spectrum and is committed to maintaining a good service for radio amateurs.”

RSGB staff will work alongside Ofcom representatives to ensure the hand over of responsibilities goes as smoothly as possible