RadCom April 2024, Vol. 100, No. 4

News 22 April 2024 New amateur radio licence conditions Ofcom has released its final decisions following its consultation on the amateur radio licensing framework last year. Revised licence conditions became effective on Wednesday 21 February 2024. The changes to licence conditions include the optional use of Regional Secondary Locators, increased transmitter power levels and provide greater opportunity to bring newcomers into amateur radio. There are approximately 100,000 amateur radio licences issued by Ofcom in the UK. Ofcom says that it will shortly be contacting all licensees to provide each with their new licence document. Ofcom is aiming to reissue all UK amateur radio licences by the autumn of 2024. To help this process run as efficiently as possible, please ensure that your contact details are up to date in the Ofcom licensing system. Further updates to the amateur radio licensing framework, including the issuing of M8 and M9 Intermediate callsigns, will be rolled out in two more phases later this year and in the 2024/25 year. A video entitled ‘Updating the amateur radio licensing framework: RSGB overview of key changes’ is available in the Ofcom playlist on the RSGB’s YouTube channel which you can find at youtube.com/theRSGB In it, RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB and RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB discuss the impact of the new rules. They also describe how the RSGB worked with Ofcom before and during the consultation period to arrive at the best outcome for all UK amateurs. Steve, Murray, and many people across the RSGB, have also worked hard to engage with individual amateurs, and amateur radio clubs and groups, to help them prepare for the licensing changes. The RSGB will continue to release information and support for radio amateurs as we all adapt to the new arrangements. You can read more details and guidance on the Ofcom website at tinyurl.com/ARFEB2024 or via the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licensing Given that increased transmitter power limits are now available to UK licensees, all amateurs are reminded that they are required to carry out EMF assessments. To help you do this, advice and an online EMF calculator can be found at rsgb.org/emf The RSGB Band Plans for 2024 were published in the March issue of RadCom . They are now also available via the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bandplans This year’s changes support the new Ofcom licensing framework and guidance, particularly in the VHF and UHF bands. All amateurs are reminded to consult the Band Plans before operating. The new licensing framework The new conditions came into effect on Wednesday 21 February and consist of four key elements: 1. Personal Licence – two-page pdf 2. Main Conditions – Booklet Ofw611 3. Coordination Conditions/Locations 4. Ofcom Guidance Amateurs should note the new element of the ‘Notice of Coordination’ which is referenced by the booklet. This split follows current Ofcom practice and provides a more flexible mechanism for Ofcom to notify licensees of coordination requirements in bands where amateur radio is already subject to sharing conditions. Various changes to callsign policy and special event stations will be implemented by Ofcom at a later date as part of their three-phased approach. Ofcom will update its guidance when these changes take effect. As a result of representations and careful review, the final refinements compared to the December statement are: • Updated Coordination Conditions – with significantly improved flexibility in 430-440MHz, whilst maintaining full frequency clearance requirements in 1240-1325MHz • Geographic boundaries now updated to clarify jurisdiction and operation on UK registered ships or aircraft • Editorial changes in the frequency schedule and 5MHz conditions • An amendment to the definition for Gateways Useful pointers: • Licence Review: rsgb.org/licence-review • Licensing/Guidance/NoVs: rsgb.org/licensing • EMF Assessments: rsgb.org/emf • Band Plans: rsgb.org/bandplans And remember to update/confirm your details/licence in the Ofcom portal New licensing for a new era General Notice of decision to vary amateur radio licences. Licence Conditions booklet. Notice of Coordination.