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19|07|06

5 MHz Experimental Band

Amateur radio - Operating in the 5 MHz experimental bands from 1 August 2006 until 30 June 2010

Update for licensees

1.1 In July 2002, following agreement with the Ministry of Defence (the "MOD"), Ofcom was able to permit operation of stations by amateur radio (full) licensees ("Full Licensees") using specified frequencies in the 5 MHz band. Those Full Licensees who expressed an interest to operate in the 5 MHz band were granted permission to operate through a Notice of Variation ("NoV") to their existing licence.

1.2 These NoVs have been issued on the condition that operation in the 5 MHz band (which is suited to Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) operation) is for experimental purposes. Those Full Licensees who were issued with a NoV were encouraged to submit reports of their findings to the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB).

1.3 These NoVs are due to expire on 31 July 2006.

1.4 Although activity in the 5 MHz frequency band does not appear to be significant, there is still some interest from Full Licensees and the RSGB has requested that Ofcom permit the continued use of the 5 MHz frequency band and, furthermore, include some additional channels. Ofcom has agreed with the MOD to permit such experimental operation until 30 June 2010, on the basis described below.

1.5 It is understood that not all existing NoV holders are participating in the experiment and hence Ofcom has decided to issue new NoVs on the basis of new applications for operation in the 5 MHz band. The updated application form will be available at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/applications/

Basis for operation

The sample NoV is given in the full document available below.

Operating in the 5 MHz experimental bands from 1 August 2006 until 30 June 2010
Full Print Version - Published 19|07|06

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