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Taking Amateur Radio into the 21st Century |
DTI Press Notice - 23 November 1999
At the Radiocommunications Agency’s "Making Connections 99"
Roadshow held in London on 29th October, it was announced that the
Agency would be allowing interconnection between amateur radio and the
Internet by the end of the year. David Hendon, the Agency’s Chief Executive,
made the announcement in response to requests from the amateur radio community
to be permitted to link their radio equipment through the Internet. The Agency
recognises the need to encourage young people into amateur radio as it
provides a valuable training ground for future careers in radio and electronics. Recognising the huge appeal of the Internet to the young, the
Agency has taken this decision to open up whole new avenues into amateur
radio.
It is likely that the introduction of this exciting new facility will be phased in, beginning at the end of this year. The Agency would like to hear from interested licensees in order that we might determine their requirements and identify any safeguards that may be necessary to avoid abuse of this facility. Details should be sent in writing to the Amateur and Citizens’ Band Radio Section, 10G/9C, Wyndham House, 189 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SX or by e-mail to amcb@ra.gtnet.gov.uk to be received by 31st November.
Notes for Editors
1 To use amateur radio in the UK, a licence is required which is renewable annually. The qualifications for the Amateur Radio Licence are a pass in the Radio Amateurs’ Examination and, for access to bands below 30 MHz which allow world wide communication, an additional pass in a Morse test. A Novice Amateur Radio Licence is also available which allows access to some amateur radio bands at reduced power. The qualifications for a Novice Licence are completion of a practical training course, a pass in the Novice Radio Amateurs’ Examination and an additional pass in a Morse test for operation below 30 MHz.
2 Use of amateur radio is governed by the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 but operation must also comply with the Self-Provision Licence issued under Section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984.
Enquiries: 0171 211 0158
RA note: A proposal on this subject has now been received from the Radio Society of Great Britain and is under consideration by the Agency. The proposal may be found on www.rsgb.org.