Nigeria Next to Get 60GHz

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The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has made announcements on opening up 60 GHz and an Amateur Radio Services draft authorisation framework

Tthe Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) says it in the process of opening up a 60 GHz Band, also known as the V-band, for the deployment of Amateur Radio Services.

A framework, according to Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), was intended to provide a clear and comprehensive outline for amateur radio operations in Nigeria.

“Like-minded users of amateur radio build a community of amateur users to exchange personal, cultural and technical information. It is good for technical investigations and wireless experimentation.”

It appears that 60 GHz and amateur radio framework announcements may have inadvertently become combined in the report.

The draft document is available on the NCC website, it says holders must be at least 18 years old, a surprising restriction since there are no age limits in other countries such as UK and USA.There will be three license classes:

  • Novice, with access to one HF band and one VHF/UHF band (bands not specified)
  • General  
  • Advanced

Download the NCC amateur radio draft authorisation framework document - https://www.ncc.gov.ng/documents/738-spectrum-draft-authorization-framework-amateur-radio-services-in-nigeria

The draft references ITU-R M.1544-1, which covers the basic skills required of an Amateur Radio Operator, it can be downloaded from https://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/m/R-REC-M.1544-1-201509-I!!PDF-E.pdf

 

The Nigeria Amateur Radio Society - https://www.iaru-r1.org/index.php/hf/hf-managers/175-member-societies/59-nigeria-amateur-radio-society

 

Reduced Power for Swedish Amateur Radio Operators

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The SSA report the communications regulator, PTS, is planning to introduce new amateur radio regulations on 1st November 2018, replacing existing rules made in 2016.

In Sweden there is no annual amateur license, on passing a HAREC compatible exam organized by the SSA the amateur call sign is issued free of charge and is valid for life, a transmitter power of up to 1 kW output is permitted.

The proposed changes would cut the maximum power to 200 watts if an amateur wished to run more they would have to pay an annual fee of US$33.

The proposed regulations will also include the new 5 MHz band agreed at WRC-15.

The deadline for comments on the proposals is March 30.

SSA post (Google English) - https://tinyurl.com/PTS-Reduced-Power

 

Auction of Former Amateur Radio Spectrum

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Ofcom has announced the companies that have qualified to take part in the upcoming spectrum auction

Ofcom is releasing 40 MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band to improve broadband for today’s mobile users. It is also releasing 150 MHz of spectrum in the 3.4 GHz band to prepare for the rollout of future 5G services. The spectrum will be made available through an auction process, which Ofcom expects to start in late March.

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The auction plans, announced last year, had been subject to legal challenge by both Three and BT/EE. The High Court rejected these claims in December 2017, and earlier this month, the Court of Appeal refused Three permission to appeal that decision. Ofcom is now pressing ahead with plans to hold the auction as quickly as possible.

Ofcom has assessed the applications received from companies wishing to take part in the auction and is today publishing details of those that have qualified. They are:

  • Airspan Spectrum Holdings Limited
  • EE Limited
  • Connexin Limited
  • Hutchison 3G UK Limited
  • Telefónica UK Limited
  • Vodafone Limited

All qualified applicants now have three days to confirm whether they wish to take part, or withdraw from the process. We will publish the final list of bidders that will be taking part, once this period passes.

Ofcom Announcement -https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/media/media-releases/2018/qualified-companies-spectrum-auction