Pakistan Hikes Radio-Related Fees

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Calling its existing fee structure outdated, Pakistan's government has approved its first change to the fee structure for radio-based services in 25 years. More than 1,100 licence holders, including amateur radio operators and private radio networks, are being affected by a fee hike. According to media reports, fees remained unchanged until now despite Pakistan's inflation rising by more than 700 per cent.

Pakistan's amateur licence is initially issued for one year but can be renewed for five years afterwards. The fee is increasing from 450 rupees to 5,000 rupees - or, in US currency, from $1.60 to $18 for the term of the licence (5 years).

The change was approved in late July by the Economic Coordination Committee. The ECC acted after being told by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority that fees no longer cover the expenses for managing licenses and overseeing the use of the spectrum.

HamTV is Active on the International Space Station

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The installation of new equipment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to reenable HamTV appears to be successful. ARISS reports on Mastodon that ground stations over Europe had successfully received the HamTV carrier signal on July 29th. Carrier transmissions are expected to continue over the next few days. Additional reports are expected from North American hams.

Documentation on receiving HamTV from the ISS is available from The British Amateur Television Club (BATV). ARISS provides a live feed of video when the ISS is in range of HamTV receiver stations.

More Information - https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/

RSGB National Radio Centre Tourist Award

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The RSGB have announced that the RSGB National Radio Centre (NRC) has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2025.

Winners of this award are in the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor. The award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period.

This award recognises the passion and dedication of our volunteers, and the fantastic role they play in promoting amateur radio.

Receiving free entry to Bletchley Park (including the RSGB National Radio Centre) is just one of the fantastic benefits of RSGB membership. Download your voucher at http://www.rsgb.org/bpvoucher