Germany Likely to Get Full 4 Metres Band Back

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Since there was no extension at the end of 2025 to the temporary permission for radio amateurs in Germany to operate in part of the 4m band from 70.150-70.210 MHz, no operation on the band has been permitted in 2026. 

As reported in the DARC's "Radio DARC" broadcast on Sunday 5th July, a recently released communication number 364/26, signed by Friedrich Merz, DK7DQ, sent from the Bundeskabinett to the Bundesrat (two parts of the German government), contains footnote number 12 on page 61 which states that there is no objection to the frequency range from 70.0 - 70.5MHz (i.e. the full 4-metre band allocation) being allocated for amateur use on a secondary, non-interference and no protection from interference from military or commercial users, basis.

This, however, is only the first step for this new (hopefully permanent) allocation. First, the action will need to be authorised at a meeting on July 10th (Friday of the week that we are recording this ICQ Podcast), and following that, how long it will take for full implementation is unknown; however, the commentator on Radio DARC believes it is unlikely that this will be made law before the end of this year's current Sporadic E season.

New Annual Verification Process by RadioID.net

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New Annual Verification Process by RadioID.net

The ID numbers used for DMR and other amateur radio digital networks are a finite resource. Due to the growing popularity of these modes, along with some users requiring multiple IDs, certain regions are expected to face ID shortages in the near future.

To help ensure that available IDs are being used efficiently, the organisation in charge of maintaining the ID database will periodically verify that currently assigned IDs are still needed and that the information associated with them remains accurate.

Beginning 1st July 2026, RadioID.net will implement an annual verification process. On the anniversary of each account’s creation, it will send an email to the account holder requesting confirmation that the assigned ID(s) are still needed and that the account information remains accurate and up to date.

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New Regulations for Hams in Norway

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New Regulations for Hams in Norway

NKOM – the Norwegian equivalent of PTS – has now published its update of the regulations for amateur radio in Norway. As we previously announced, the most important change is the introduction of a new entry-level certificate, or as it is called in the legal text, “limited license”. Just like our entry-level certificate, it will have simpler examination requirements than the “full license” (HAREC) but a number of limitations. Holders of a “limited license” are limited to a maximum of 10 W transmitter power. The frequency bands are all from 3.5MHz – 432MHz (but not the WARC bands 10MHz and 24 MHz). Compared to the previous revision version from November, some changes have been made. In addition to changing the name from “beginner license” to “limited license”, the most important things are:

The ban on remote control has been lifted for both "restricted licenses" as well as for stations in Norwegian "overseas" territories.

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