New spectrum for digital experiments

| April 2, 2015

Ofcom have agreed the use of 70.5 MHz to 71.5 MHz by radio amateurs for digital experimentation.

Applications require a Special Research Permit (SRP) and further details of the application process can be found on our VHF Release page. Additional advice regarding the application process is available from the RSGB VHF Manager. Once approved by Ofcom the NoV can be downloaded from here.

For information, the following conditions will apply:-

  • Access to this part of the spectrum will be authorised under a Notice of Variation, time-limited to 12 months at a time and available to Full Licence holders only.
  • Ofcom will retain the right to reallocate Amateur Radio spectrum at 70.5 – 71.5MHz should there be a demand for this part of the spectrum from Business Radio and/or other or new services. In the event of this happening, Ofcom will not consult on this decision. However, Ofcom will provide Amateur Radio users with 12 months’ notice before such reassignment and this notice period will be publicised on the Ofcom website.
  • Amateur Radio use of this spectrum will be permitted on a non-protection, non-interference basis. Please note that if use is shown to cause interference, the spectrum will be removed with immediate effect
  • Permission will be subject to a geographical restriction and only granted for use in England, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Northern Ireland and Wales. (There is legacy use of the spectrum by the Scottish Government which precludes licensing for Amateur Radio).

Note that in a similar manner to 146-147MHz, thre is a requirement to be compliant with the level published in the Harmonised Calculation Method (HCM) Agreement of +6dBuV/m.

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