Netherlands 5 MHz Allocation

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The 5350 to 5450 kHz section of the 5Mhz Amateur / Ham Radio Band (60 metres) has been incorporated into the Netherlands National Frequency Plan, published on 2nd November 2015 in the Official Gazette. 

Holders of the Dutch Full amateur licence are expected to be able to use the new band from the middle of November.

VERON News - http://tinyurl.com/Netherlands-5MHz

Dutch regulator Agentschap Telecom announcement - http://tinyurl.com/Netherlands-AT-5MHz

New Ham Radio UK Promotional Video

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The UK governing Amateur / Ham Radio body - RSGB, has launched a new amateur radio promotional video to attract new participants to the hobby.

The video was produced in conjunction with TX Factor and has produced lots of positive comment since it was first shown publicly at the RSGB Convention. 

One person commented "the video is really good, hardly an oldie to be seen !!"

The amateur satellite service feature prominently in the video, Peter Goodhall 2E0SQL is shown working the amateur satellites and astronaut Doug Wheelock KF5BOC puts in an appearance from on-board the International Space Station.

Among those spotted in the video were amateurs from the Silcoates School, Camb Hams and Essex Ham.

Ofcom to Revoke Unvalidated Amateur / Ham Radio Licences

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The UK communications regulator has proposed to revoke amateur radio licences which have not been revalidated by the holder. 

Currently, UK Amateur Radio Licences remain valid unless surrendered by the licensee or revoked by Ofcom. Last last time Ofcom revoked an Amateur / Ham Radio Licence for any reason was over 9 years ago.

Ofcom require holders to re-validate their licence every 5 years but until Ofcom goes through the formal process of Revocation such licences remain valid.

It is suspected there might be tens of thousands of amateur licences which have not been re-validated, with an estimated 1,000 due to be culled in the first batch of deactivation. Ofcom proposes to start with those that should have been re-validated in 2012.

If Ofcom wishes to revoke a wireless telegraphy licence, it must: 

  • notify the licensee of the reasons for which it proposes to revoke the licence; 
  • specify a period in which the licensee may make representations; 
  • decide whether or not to revoke the licence within one month of the end of that period; and 
  • notify you of its decision within a week of making it. 

Ofcom announcement - http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/amateur-radio/revalidation/

How to re-validate your licence - http://www.essexham.co.uk/validate-your-licence