Northern Ireland News – 2 February 2014

As you will know, all radio amateurs are required to revalidate their licence at least every five years. The process to do this requires every licence holder to contact Ofcom to confirm or update the details on the licence database. This process has been underway for some time and to date some 52 percent of licences have been successfully revalidated.

The quickest way to revalidate is to do so online via the Ofcom website or by email to amateur.validations@ofcom.org.uk. This can be done at any time. If you need assistance in the process, Ofcom staff are available to help, but their limited availability means that the workload needs to be staggered to avoid undue delays. There will thus be a phased approach during the coming months during which time regional campaigns will be held to encourage all licensees who have not yet revalidated to do so. Now is the time for all amateurs who live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales to revalidate their licences if they have not already done so.

Please note that although amateur radio licences are now classed as ‘lifetime’, revalidation is compulsory. Ofcom have advised that any licences that remain unvalidated by a yet to be agreed date will be considered as lapsed. After this time, licences will need to be renewed and a fee of £20 will be charged.

On Thursday Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club meetings resume from 8pm at The Community House, 13 Travers Place, Dervock. More information from Melvyn Irvine, MI0MSR, 07597 656 940.

On Sunday Mid Ulster Amateur Radio Club Graeme MI0WGM, will be giving a talk on the FUNcube satellite project. Contact Brian Burns, MI0TGO, by email to muarc.secretary@yahoo.co.uk.

Category: News for Northern Ireland