The 5 MHz Newsletter - Spring 2021

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The latest edition of The 5 MHz Newsletter (No 26 –Spring 2021) is now available for free pdf download from the ‘External Links’ section of the Wikipedia 60m Band page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/60-meter_band#External_links

This edition includes 5 MHz news from 4 countries, MARS on 5 MHz! The SARL Worked All ZS 5 MHz Award, the latest World of 5 MHz Map, Useful Websites for 5 MHz, Readers Feedback and CQ Serenade

Regulator to Develop Options for Higher Power Limits for Australian Hams

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The Australian radio regulator has released a draft of their standard spectrum planning document, the Five Year Spectrum Outlook 2021-6.

For amateur radio, the main issue of interest is the statements on pages 18 and 57.

We are also aware that many amateurs continue to be interested in operating their stations at higher power limits. Pending implementation of the outcomes associated with the review of licensing arrangements, we are examining the feasibility of, and options for, higher power licensing. We will consult with the amateur community on regulatory proposals.

We also intend to develop options for higher-power amateur licensing. Pending implementation of the outcomes associated with the review of licensing arrangements, we will consult with the amateur community on any regulatory proposals arising from that review in Q2 2022.

“This is very good news – RASA has been lobbying for an increase in output power for advanced class amateurs from 400W to 1 kW for some time.” “We look forward to the proposals”
— Glenn, VK4DU, President of the Radio Amateur Society of Australia

Ofcom Released Age of Radio Amateurs Data

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Following a Freedom of Information request about the age of radio amateurs, Ofcom said they do not hold Date-of-Birth information for many radio amateurs but released what information they do have.

Ofcom say "We do not hold a full breakdown of the age of issued amateur radio licensees as date of birth is not a mandatory field for licence applications."

In September 2000 the then communications regulator (RA) abolished the ban on people under 14-years-old holding a Full amateur licence, since that time a person's date of birth has served little regulatory purpose.

The data Ofcom released showed they only had Date-of-Birth information for:

  • 7,312 out of 28,845 Foundation licences

  • 4,104 out of 12,127 Intermediate licences

  • 44,944 out of 54,072 Full licences

As of 1st March 2021 there was a total of 95,044 valid UK amateur radio licences.

Download the FoI reply and the available age data - https://ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/214915/age-of-amateur-radio-licensees.pdf