Amateur Radio Under Threat in the UK

OFCOM are the UK's Regulator for Communications. And they have come up with a pathetic plan called the Spectrum Framework Review.

After reading this please visit my Notice board here http://g7vot.myikonboard.com/viewthread.php?threadid=20 and let me know your opinion. UK Hams. Your opinion counts in this matter don't just sit there and let others act for you as it may not be enough. Amatuers outside the uk can help too by emailing Ofcom here, contact@ofcom.org.uk and let them know what you think.

Ofcoms Spectrum Framework Review has been given a thorough examination and what has been uncovered is very very alarming. If you have not yet sent a letter of concern to OFCOM, then reading the following may well give you a kick up the butt to do so. Deadline is the 15th of February.

The following information is taken with thanks from the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society's web site.

It is also with a serious request to put pen to paper and reply to the Ofcom Proposal. Failure to inform them that they are acting in a totally cavalier manner, will result in the radio spectrum used by Radio Amateurs being swallowed up by Mobile Phone Companies.

By the time that Ofcom realise their errors, the infrastructure will be fragmented and the damage will be done. It should be realised that Ofcom is now no longer Staffed by Engineers/Radio Amateurs, it is entirely Commercial people with Mobile Phone backgrounds who are attracted by the possibility of charging someone £1m/MHz.

The phrase "If you do not use it, you will loose it" will be wasted unless YOU put pen to paper.

Summarised Ofcom's 23rd November 2004, proposals for Licenses and spectrum.

o Spectrum Framework Review with a Deadline for replies by 15 February, 2005.

o Advocates total disregard of all International rules in the interest of National flexibility

o Suggest that 60% of all spectrum is tradable

o Is in favour of Software/Cognitive Radio that could potentially operate on top of Radio Amateurs without warning

o Proposes to withdraw from CB, Amateur, Maritime licensing

o Proposes to simplify access to entrants - barely after the new Licence structure is in place

o Has caught RSGB totally off guard, with a weaker structure

o All Radio Amateurs and Clubs are urged to reply with a copy to their MP with a request that he/she questions Ofcom on their intentions.

o Original Documents on http://www.ofcom.org.uk
Be warned this is a massive document which seems as thought it has been made deliberately big - the cynical would say "to stop people reading it"! It is OK for Broadband users.

o Easier to download from www.essexrepeatergroup.org.uk

Many of the threats are TLAs (Three Letter Acronyms) so here are some:-

o PSB - Public Service Broadcasting
o DTT - Digital Terrestrial Television
o DRLs - Digital Replacement Licences
o SFN - Single Frequency Network - BBC/National DAB is a SFN
o DVB-T, DVB-H - Digital Video Broadcasting
o DAB-S, DAB-T - Digital Audio Broadcasting (Satellite, Terrestrial)

o SFR - Spectrum Framework Review
o ACC - Adaptive Cruise Control, - uses SRR and LRR
o SRR/LRR - Short /Long Range Car Radar on 79 or 24GHz
o UWB - Ultra Wideband
o SDR - Software Defined Radio

o A whole new set of threats is on us now. . .
o Most attention so far on Broadband over Powerlines

o BPL - Broadband over Power Lines - USA
o PLT - Power Line Telecoms - UK
o Data can be Voice, Internet or TV
o In use by Southern Electric
o Raises noise floors etc over most of HF bands


Regards

Andy (G7VOT)

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andymuza/G7VOT/G7VOT.htm