SARL presents amateur radio's objection to ICASA

Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV, and Francois Botha, ZS6BUU, made presentations at the South African regulator ICASA's PLT Hearing held in Sandton last Wednesday and Thursday.

ZS6AKV presented the South African Radio League's objection to the draft regulations and ZS6BUU presented how PLT could potentially interfere with emergency communication.

A strong point was made to have all amateur HF frequencies notched, which means that PLT carrier levels will be reduced by a sizeable factor on HF amateur frequencies.

ICASA said that by law they are tasked to protect licensed radio services against interference and as amateur radio is a licensed radio service, ICASA will protect amateur frequencies and take action against PLT operators that cause interference.

ICASA then asked if the SARL would still insist on notching. ZS6AKV confirmed that the SARL was still insisting on notching as large scale PLT installation would create many complaints which ICASA would not be able to handle fast enough to prevent disruption of the amateur radio service.

ZS6BUU presented a convincing case why all emergency frequencies used by radio amateurs should be notched.

There were several other presentations which by and large all expressed concern about possible PLT interference.

ICASA will now deliberate and finalise the interim regulations which will be gazetted soon. The interim regulations will fall away and be replaced once CISPR has finalised the international standards.

The latest CISPR proposals, on the table for discussion during their November meeting, include the notching of amateur radio frequencies but also a reduction of interference limits. The South African delegation has been instructed to vote against any relaxation in standards.

Source: The South African Radio League