700 MHz Clearance Programme Update

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Ofcom has published a progress update on work to clear spectrum in the 700 MHz band, to make it available for mobile broadband use

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In November 2014, Ofcom decided to make spectrum in the 700 MHz band available for mobile data as soon as practicably possible. This involves clearing some of the spectrum currently used by Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) licensees. In October 2016, following consultation with stakeholders including Government, we confirmed that the programme should be completed by the second quarter of 2020.

Since confirming the timescales for the delivery of the 700 MHz clearance work, we have reviewed the progress of the programme.

While the programme is a complex engineering project subject to risks that could potentially delay completion, the review has found that all workstreams are currently on track. The programme is therefore expected to be completed in 2020 as planned.

More Information - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/106933/700mhz-clearance-timescale-review.pdf

 

Experimental License Provides Cell Service in Puerto Rico

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'Project Loon,' led by Google's parent company Alphabet, is set to help provide emergency cellular service in Puerto Rico.

“More than 2 weeks after Hurricane Maria struck, millions of Puerto Ricans are still without access to much-needed communications services.”
— Ajit Pai, FCC Chairman

He explained that Project Loon is aimed to provide the people of Puerto Rico with access to cellular service to connect with family and friends and to access life-saving information.

Project Loon is a network of balloons that provides connectivity to users on the ground. Now that the experimental license has been approved, it will attempt to initiate service in Puerto Rico.

Project Loon obtained consent agreements to use land mobile radio (LMR) radio spectrum in the 900-MHz band from existing carriers operating within Puerto Rico.

More than 80% of cellular sites remain out of service in Puerto Rico!

 

40th Anniversary Club Special Event Callsign

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From 1 to 30 November 2017, the Bo-Karoo Amateur Radio Club will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the commissioning of the Vanderkloof Dam with the special callsign ZS40VDK.

As part of these celebrations, the Club is hosting the ZS40VDK Bash at the Sandgat Resort just outside the town of Vanderkloof on Saturday 18 November. The Bash includes the Club AGM, a potjieskos competition and a dance.

The Vanderkloof Dam (originally the PK Le Roux Dam) is situated approximately 130 km downstream from the Gariep Dam and is fed by the Orange River, South Africa's largest river. 
The dam was commissioned in 1977. Vanderkloof Dam is the second-largest dam in South Africa (in volume) and has the highest dam wall in the country at 108 metres.