Prosecution for Possessing a Prohibited Radio

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Recently, New Zealand's Radio Spectrum Management successfully brought charges against Moko Turner who was found guilty of possessing an Unrestricted Two Way Radio. The prohibited radio was found in Mr Turner’s vehicle by police officers during a routine pullover.

On further analysis, the prohibited radio had police frequencies programmed into the unit and was able to transmit on police channels. Mr Turner appeared in the Whangarei District Court and was found guilty of charges under the Radiocommunications Act 1989, s113 and s114.

It is illegal for any person (apart from NZ Police) to transmit on Police channels. Unsolicited radiocommunications can cause serious harm and put Officers and the New Zealand public in danger.

Radio Spectrum Management takes a very serious stance against those who disrupt or cause interference to Police or other emergency services.

FCC Investigating Alleged “Jamming” on 40 Meters

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FCC Investigating Alleged “Jamming” on 40 Meters

Reports suggest that jamming stations have been deployed on the lower portion of 40 meters. The jamming appears to be coming from Cuba. The signals, spaced at regular intervals, exhibit a squishy, popping noise. The apparent jamming showed up after anti-government protesters took to the streets in Cuba, followed by a government crackdown. So far, there’s no proven connection between the jamming and the protests, as evidence has been circumstantial. DX spots suggest that Cuban hams are on the air on SSB but do appear rare on 40 meters. A lot of Cuban spots point to FT8 activity. The jamming issue has drawn the attention of the FCC, which is looking into the matter, according to one tech publication.

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What Happens to British Ships When Satellites Don't Work?

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What Happens to British Ships When Satellites Don't Work?

The Royal Navy and Britain's merchant fleet, along with most others around the world, rely on satellites for navigation - but what happens if they don't work?

It's a question that troubles the former First Sea Lord, Lord West of Spithead, who has spent months trying to find out if the UK has a back-up plan.

"My concern is that those people who are not friends with us are looking at ways to knock out satellite communications," he says.

"I thought I'd ask the government, I thought they'd have processes, but it became very clear from their answers that they don't understand what the problem is.

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