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14|02|06

Ofcom Deregulates Amateur Radio Licensing

Ofcom today announced its conclusions in the reform of amateur radio licensing which is intended to reduce the administrative burden on the UK’s 63,000 amateur radio users.

Ofcom is responsible under Section 1 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 for the authorisation of amateur radio in the UK.

After public consultation, detailed research and discussions with amateur radio groups, Ofcom has decided to:

• issue amateur radio licences which will remain valid for life as long as the licence details remain correct or until the licence is revoked by Ofcom or surrendered by the licensee;
• require licensees to confirm their licence details at least once every five years;
• provide an online licensing service as an alternative to the postal service;
• issue electronic licences to users of the online licensing service; and
• continue to make paper licences available, subject to an administrative charge.

In addition to the formal consultation process, Ofcom commissioned MORI to conduct a survey of amateur radio licence holders’ views of the Ofcom proposals. MORI received 1,572 completed questionnaires by 20 June 2005. When specifically asked by MORI whether they supported or opposed Ofcom issuing licences that remain valid for the life of the licensee, 58 per cent of respondents supported this proposal.

At present, the Royal Mail processes amateur radio licences through the Radio Licensing Centre. However, from 1 October 2006 Ofcom intends to take over this function, which will include issuing, renewing and amending licences.

Ofcom believes that this new approach to amateur radio licensing will reduce unnecessary bureaucracy with this popular international hobby.

The policy statement can be found at:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/aradio/statement/

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