 Icom
sponsors IOTA
The popular Islands On The Air (IOTA) programme has
been given a major boost thanks to leading radio communication manufacturer
Icom.
From the 1st October 2006, Icom will be the new corporate sponsor of
the world renowned Islands on the Air (IOTA) programme.
This worldwide sponsorship deal is a major boost for IOTA. It teams the
world's leading Amateur Radio manufacturer with, arguably, the best DX
programme in the world.
The IOTA programme is now set for major expansion in forthcoming years,
thanks to the new sponsorship deal. Already plans are in motion to expand
the number of IOTA contests and awards, the Icom funding will ensure the
success of these developments. The partnership will provide joint promotion
and marketing efforts, greatly raising the profile of the IOTA programme
throughout the world.
The IOTA programme already has tens of thousands of participants and
millions of IOTA contacts are made each year. With the introduction of
new web-based software the programme will be even easier to use. The software
will revolutionise the processes whereby award applications can be made
and checked. It will also give easy access to IOTA information and standings.
RSGB IOTA Committee chairman John Butcher, G3LAS, responding
to the sponsorship deal with Icom, 'Since the RSGB Islands on the Air
programme was created by Geoff Watts over 40 years ago it has developed
into one of the world’s most prestigious Amateur Radio awards.
Now, second only to DXCC in popularity, it attracts many thousands of
participants worldwide who regularly battle it out in the pile-ups for
a contact with that elusive ‘new one’.
Many of these exciting opportunities are made possible only by the efforts
of the hundreds of intrepid expeditioners who range the planet to activate
many remote and often nearly inaccessible islands. We look forward with
enthusiasm to working with Icom to promote IOTA across the world so that
we, and they, will derive mutual benefits. As we move forward in the 21st
century, we will try to achieve another 40 years of growth and development
in IOTA for the enjoyment of amateur radio enthusiasts in all countries.'
Icom America Amateur division manager Ray Novak, N9JA,
explains why IOTA has such an important role to play in securing the future
of Amateur radio across the pond, 'As Icom America’s Amateur division
manager, I see my challenge as keeping the Amateur Radio hobby alive.
With today’s technological advances, many people no longer look
to Amateur Radio as the new and exciting hobby it was 10-15 years ago.
As an Amateur Radio manufacturer, it is our duty to do things to create
excitement to entice people to participate in this wonderful hobby.'
Ray then went on to say, 'So much of our time is spent in the work place,
taking us away from the relaxation and enjoyment of our families. Therefore
when we take time off from work, we want to spend time with our family.
Well, IOTA gives amateur radio that much-needed family tie. Take the family
on vacation to a resort Island, and enjoy the relaxation, the beach, and
the DX pile-ups as a family…what a perfect combination.'
Asked where he thought the Icom sponsorship of IOTA was going to lead,
Ray said, 'I would hope that IOTA would be one of the things that would
attract people to go and get their licence. We want IOTA to have the same
profile as the DXCC award in the US. This will not take place over night.
It will take time, money and effort. Amateur Radio is one of the least
expensive, competitive hobbies in the world. All we have to do is promote
it.'
Phil Hadler G4CZU, Managing Director of Icom (UK) Ltd
said, 'Icom UK are extremely pleased that the Icom Family has chosen to
support IOTA. IOTA is an extremely prestigious event as well as being
a fun way of getting into contesting.'
Speaking on why he thought it was important for Icom to be involved
with IOTA, Phil added, 'Over recent years Amateur Radio has faced some
tough challenges. But with the success of events like IOTA and other contributing
factors including the introduction of the foundation licence and the good
work that clubs do in promoting the hobby in the UK, the tide is turning
and a younger generation is being introduced to the hobby.'
He added, ' IOTA is a fun event, ideal for the serious and even not so
serious contester and may well be a good route in getting younger people
into the hobby. I do hope that the programme produces the result we expect,
and further promotes the hobby as a whole. Pro operators in radio communication
are hard to find these days, the event is a 'fun' way to train people.'
Dave Stockley G4ELP, Chairman and founder of Icom (UK)
Ltd said, 'Having seen all there is to see over the last 30 years in the
UK marketplace, it gives me great pleasure to see that Amateur Radio is
still a relevant hobby and that Icom are still at the top, supplying an
extensive range of Amateur Radio equipment, and are still integral in
supporting the hobby. I think with the new software being introduced into
the programme and with other initiatives in place, I think that the IOTA
programme will go from strength to strength.'
About IOTA
IOTA is an award programme in which participants “collect”
contacts with islands worldwide. These contacts count towards 18 separate
certificates, graded in difficulty, for island chasers, as well as two
prestigious awards for high achievement. The awards can be claimed by
any eligible licensed radio amateur who can produce evidence of sufficient
two-way communications with islands.
For the purposes of IOTA, the world’s islands have
been corralled into some 1200 groups with varying numbers of qualifying
islands (or counters) in each. The objective, for the island chaser, is
to make radio contact with at least one counter in as many of these groups
as possible. For the DXpeditioner, the objective is to provide such island
contacts. The basic award is for working stations in 100 IOTA groups.
The IOTA Programme also produces an annual Honour Roll
and other performance tables that are published on the IOTA web-site and
the IOTA Directory. For both the island chaser and the island activator,
IOTA is a fun pastime, adding much enjoyment to on the air activity.
IOTA has an estimated 15,000-20,000 followers, making
it one of the most popular award programmes in amateur radio.
You can find out more about the programme at www.rsgbiota.org.uk
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