More Ham Radio Spectrum in 3-12 MHz Needed

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The WIA Spectrum Strategy Committee has released their response to the ACMA Five Year Spectrum Outlook 2021, they highlight the need for more amateur radio spectrum in 3-12 MHz

Global demand for the HF amateur spectrum has grown, particularly since the start of the COVID pandemic. Congestion (particularly on the 7 MHz band) from both legitimate and unauthorised illegal transmissions is often severe during times of increased ionospheric propagation.

Additionally, heightened tensions across the globe have increased the use of high-power HF radar systems which frequently disrupt HF amateur communications across large segments of spectrum, particularly on the lower frequency bands. Increasing spectrum access within the 3-10 MHz range is seen as vital to enable sufficient frequency agility for the amateur service, so that communications can be maintained when large amounts of spectrum are suffering interference from international radar based intruders.

The WIA intends to seek expansions to amateur bands in the 3-12 MHz segment over the next 5 years for Australian amateurs, at least in alignment with international allocations, although the WIA acknowledges that this is a lower priority than other items proposed.

You can download the full WIA response document - https://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2021/20210428-1/

Amateur Radio Licensing in the Falkland Islands

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Amateur Radio Licensing in the Falkland Islands

After several months of protracted discussions, the Falkland Islands Communications Regulator has provided a final opportunity for non-resident lifetime, VP8 licence owners to have their VP8 callsigns revalidated.

The Regulator issued the following direction on the 27th April 2021:

Notice of Direction made by the Falkland Islands Communications Regulator addressed to those who hold or have held Falkland Island Amateur Radio Licences typically identified by call-signs with a VP8 prefix.

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Licence-exempt regulation changes and new IR-2030

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Licence-exempt regulation changes and new IR-2030

Ofcom has confirmed changes to license-exemption regulations for short-range devices (SRDs), 500 mW ERP is now permitted in 870.0-874.4 MHz

The higher power Licence-exempt devices operating in 57-71 GHz have been affected by Ofcom's new EMF regulation. Such devices are no longer exempt and there will be a charge of £75 every 5 years for a license.

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