Licence Review

Ofcom has now released a document that sets out its “decision to update the amateur radio licensing framework to ensure the policies and licences meet the needs of today and tomorrow’s radio amateurs, while streamlining the licensing process“.

Alongside the statement, it has published a Summary of the Changes (PDF, 166.4 KB); this gives a high level overview of the policy changes Ofcom has made to the amateur radio licensing framework.

Ofcom has also published its General Notice, giving notice of its proposal to vary all amateur radio licences.

 

The Ofcom Plan of Work for 2023/24 includes a major review of amateur licensing and related callsign policy.

The Ofcom Consultation was launched on 23 June 2023, with replies required by 5pm on 4 September 2023. The Consultation is now closed.

All radio amateurs were strongly encouraged to read the consultation on Ofcom’s website – and reply to Ofcom individually.

 

Video overview

We have released a video in which RSGB Spectrum and licensing expert Murray Niman, G6JYB, explains more about the Consultation. Click or tap on the image below to watch the video. We also encourage you to use it at your clubs to start a discussion with your club members.

A copy of the presentation used in the video is available to view separately *(please see important note at the bottom of the page)

 

Two special Tonight@8 events

We  held two special Tonight@8 events focused on the Ofcom amateur radio consultation. Instead of the usual webinar-style, the events were forums where, after a short introduction, a panel of RSGB experts answered your questions.

Watch the first event
On Monday 31 July, we looked at looked at contests, operating and call sign policy, of particular interest to Full licence holders. The RSGB expert panel was: General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB; Spectrum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB; Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX; President John McCullagh, GI4BWM.

A copy of the introduction presentation used in the video is available to view separately *(please see important note at the bottom of the page)

Click or tap on the image below to watch the recording.

Watch the second event
The focus was on Foundation and Intermediate topics including call sign and exam changes, as well as the Consultation clauses that might lead to new opportunities for outreach activities for everyone. This event was also for people who aren’t yet licensed but are thinking of taking an amateur radio exam in the next couple of years.
The RSGB expert panel was: General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB; Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX; Spectrum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB; Examinations Standards Committee Chair Tony Kent, G8PBH.

A copy of the introduction presentation used in the video is available to view separately *(please see important note at the bottom of the page)

Click or tap on the image below to watch the recording.

* The PDFs of the supporting presentations are provided to help radio amateurs to write their own responses to the Ofcom Consultation. The files are copyright to the RSGB and shouldn’t be edited, modified, or the content copied into other presentations or documents.