Latest news on the new lifetime amateur radio licence

The RSGB has received a number of enquiries over the last few weeks regarding the introduction of the new lifetime anateur radio licence and it is apparent that there is some confusion.

UK radio amateurs are reminded that the introduction of this licence has now been delayed until 1 December 2006.

Although a final decision has still not been made, it is anticipated that all UK amateur radio licences will be varied from this date to allow the new Terms and Conditions to be brought into effect.

Readers are also advised that the sample Terms and Conditions document published on the Ofcom website on 4 July should not be considered the final version as a number of significant changes have been made since. Ofcom has now agreed to remove this document from the web.

Ofcom originally planned to allow Foundation licensees access to the 10m band and the Amateur Satellite Service from 1 October. However, the date for this has now been put back to 1 December to coincide with the introduction of the lifetime licence.

There has also been clarification on the use of converted Private Mobile Radio (PMR) equipment by Foundation licensees. Providing the equipment has been modified and certified by a recognised PMR dealer as complying with IR2028, then the equipment can be used by a Foundation Licence holder

Source: GB2RS News - Courtesy of the RSGB