RSGB National Radio Centre to Close Temporarily

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Having considered the rapidly increasing Covid cases and the high transmission rates, the RSGB has reluctantly decided to close the RSGB National Radio Centre (NRC) at Bletchley Park until further notice. This is a temporary measure.

The NRC will close at 3pm on Friday 17 December 2021 and the closure will run throughout the Christmas and New Year period. The situation will be reviewed in the New Year and announcements made via GB2RS News, the RSGB website and social media about reopening.

During the closure, the RSGB Members’ voucher (for free entry to the NRC) will be taken off-line. The RSGB apologies for any disappointment or inconvenience the closure may cause but believe it is best for the wellbeing of both volunteers and visitors.

RSGB National Radio Centre - https://rsgb.org/main/about-us/national-radio-centre-gb3rs/

Licensing Changes to Support Satellite Sector

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Licensing Changes to Support Satellite Sector

Ofcom has confirmed changes to change the way it licenses certain satellite systems.

A number of new satellite systems are currently being developed which use Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellites to provide high speed connections – particularly for people and businesses in hard-to-reach areas.

NGSO systems are more sophisticated than earlier satellite broadband networks. Rather than ground equipment pointing at a single satellite to connect people, NGSO networks can involve thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth, which satellite dishes need to track as they move across the sky.

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RSGB Examinations Standards Committee Report Published

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The RSGB Examinations Standards Committee has published its 2021 annual report which covers activities in 2020.

Despite the challenges of Covid, the Committee was quick to approve and support proposals for changes to the exam system, such as approving online remote invigilation and the suspension of practical assessments. This allowed people to continue to take exams and get involved in amateur radio during lockdown.

The total number of exams administered by the RSGB Examinations Department in 2020 increased by 41.9 percent compared to the previous year.

RSGB Examinations Standards Committee Report - https://thersgb.org/publications/committees/esc/2021/211203_esc_annual_report%202021.pdf