RSGB Lead Negative Response to 5GHz Changes

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The RSGB have led the negative responses to Ofcom’s request for feedback in relation to the 5GHz band, stating the are “..deeply disappointed in respect of Ofcom’s compliance with its duties…"

The RSGB highlight four areas of disappointment 

  1. Ofcom has deliberately not contacted the most innovative incumbents/ stakeholders as stated in Para 3.43 (only Wi-Fi) prior to the formal consultation period
  2. As an incumbent we have been blocked from contact during the consultation
  3. Ofcom has ignored their duty with respect to CEPT ECA allocation footnotes ECA17/23
  4. We expect Ofcom to makes amends and engage, or we will consider escalating this

The Society pointed out that "Ofcom’s research is badly flawed and belittles incumbents…" and "Ofcom strategy for Consumers is also flawed…"

The RSGB describes how "Ofcom’s preference risks causing harmful interference at home and internationally" and "Ofcom continues to unfairly suppress the most innovative stakeholder in the band, and undermine technology for innovation and emergency communications…"

RSGB and AMSAT-UK Responses -  
http://rsgb.org/main/blog/spectrum-forum-posts-overview/spectrum-forum-papers-consultations/2016/08/01/5ghz-wi-fi/

Ofcom propose using Amateur Radio band for Wi-Fi - https://amsat-uk.org/2016/05/13/ofcom-propose-using-ham-radio-band-for-wi-fi/

Apply for UK Community Radio Licences

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Ofcom are making available the opportunity to apply for licences to operate community radio stations.

Applications are split into two regions.

  • London Area (within the M25 motorway) broadcasting on either FM or AM frequency
  • Outside London broadcasting on Medium Wave (AM) only
Community Radio in the Twenty-First Century
Peter Lang AG, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften
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Ofcom have produced documents outlining the process, including details of funding restrictions and guidance on the benefits and disadvantages of broadcasting on the AM Band.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 25 October 2016.

London Area - http://ofcom.cmail20.com/t/i-l-krtdutd-ptjlljdj-h/

Outer London - http://ofcom.cmail20.com/t/i-l-krtdutd-ptjlljdj-k/

Malaysian Amateur Radio Licences Changes

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The Malaysian Amateur Radio Society (MARTS) has advised that the Amateur Radio certification review was showing some positive future changes in that country.

In the new structure there would be three classes of licence, namely Class A that give 1-kilowatts on all bands with upgraded privileges, Class B has most HF bands at 50-watts, and the new entry level Class C gives access to 2m 6m and 70cm.

The Morse code proficiency tests of 12-word per minutes that currently apply to the Class A or top licence, will be removed.

In other news, the minimum age to obtain the Class A will be 15 years, with Class B the middle class licence at 15, and Class C will be at 12 years.

When these changes will take effect is not known, but will follow the normal drafting process for all new rules.