146-147MHz to full UK radio amateurs soon
Today, OFCOM announced that 146-147MHz will be temporarily released to full UK licencees from Oct 31st this year, by NoV. Personally, I would have preferred other parts of the spectrum to have been released instead as 2m is never that busy, at least it is very quiet usually around here. If you plan to operate 146-147MHz in the UK you will need to get an NoV via the RSGB. Note that this is temporary.
I wrote to OFCOM suggesting officially allowing UK amateurs access legally to sub 8.3kHz, re-releasing the 73kHz band and a new allocation around 40MHz (ideal for Es experiments). In OFCOM’s release they say I asked for a new band at 400MHz. I did not.
Yeah and I would have preferred if Ofcom allowed Foundation licence holders to be able to use up to 50 watts of power and apply for special events call signs. The RSGB are complaining that the number of people going for Foundation are falling, it’s not surprising really when you can use a CB radio on ssb with more power than a Foundation licence holder, and the Cber doesn’t have a licence. It’s a no brainer really. Time for some of the rules on Foundation class to be relaxe.
So come on RSGB time to do something for Foundation licence holders for a change, after all they are UK Amatuer radios future. So start making the hobby more attractive to the younger generation.