Ofcom Prosecution Statistics for 2005/6

The prosecution statics for 2005/6 are published by the UK regulator Ofcom at

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/
enforcement/pstats/stats0506

It is suprising how few prosecution and cautions there have been. Just one procsecution for the Marine Service, amazing when you consider the numerous breaches of regulations that take place in the VHF marine band.

The period covered by the statistics includes what must have been the largest raid against unlicenced broadcast stations this century in which Ofcom claimed to have seized 53 illegal broadcasters' radio transmitters in a co-ordinated operation across London, see

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/november2005/illegal_broadcasting.htm

This single enforcement action in London must have accounted for most if not all of the 52 prosecutions launched by Ofcom for illegal broadcasting.

One caution and three warning letters were sent to Radio Amateurs, there were no prosecutions.

Looking at the statics one is left with the feeling that the level of enforcement is not as high as it could be.
Perhaps in future Ofcom will be able to make use of Fixed Penalty Fines for breaches of the Wireless Telegraphy Act.
These could either be imposed directly by Ofcoms own field operatives or by sub-contracting the enforcement work out to third-parties.

DTI Wireless Telegraphy Act - Fixed Penalty Fines
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2005/dti_wt_offences.htm
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/april2006/new_wt_act.htm

73 Trevor M5AKA

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