Proposed Future Structure Of Amateur Radio Licensing

If amateur radio is to survive, we need to encourage more people, particularly youngsters, into the hobby. The Agency believes that there should be a relatively simple entry point into amateur radio to get people started (a Foundation Licence). This entry point would require minimal qualifications and allow newcomers a first taste of amateur radio. Our initial thoughts are that applicants will need to have completed a short competence based practical course which would cover the basics of amateur radio; safety, operating techniques (including on-air training under direct supervision), basic licence conditions and basic technical knowledge. At the end of the course, a simple multiple choice examination would be conducted by the course tutor. Ideally these courses would be run through approved amateur radio clubs.

As qualifications are minimal, operation would be limited to the VHF amateur bands and only commercially produced equipment would be permitted. Power would be limited [25W erp] with antennas restricted to omnidirectional dipoles. The use of all current permitted facilities and operational modes would be allowed. Consideration was given to making this a short term licence, meaning that after three years the individual would be required to move on to the next level. However, this idea was rejected because it was felt that it was better to keep people in the hobby rather than forcing them to give up if they did not wish to progress to a more advanced level. It should also be recognised that amateur radio should provide an element of choice and some people may be quite happy to stay at this basic level.

We feel that there should be a more incentive based licensing system to encourage radio amateurs to develop their skills by linking licence privileges with qualifications held. While we could introduce a Foundation Licence at any time, further restructuring of the amateur service will need to be postponed until a decision has been reached on the Morse issue. This is due to be discussed at the 2002 World Radio Conference where it is likely that the international requirement for users of frequencies below 30 MHz to prove that they can send and receive Morse code signals correctly, will be dropped. This will allow the UK to decide whether or not a Morse test is relevant as a qualification for HF operation.

If the mandatory knowledge of Morse was to be dropped in the UK, we could introduce three levels of licence; the Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. All would require the basic competence course while the Intermediate and Advanced would require additional qualifications. Providing there are sufficient call signs we would prefer to retain different call signs for each licence class. It would be necessary to transfer existing licensees into the new classes and there is a natural progression path from the current Novice to the new Intermediate and from the current Full to the new Advanced Licences. The table below summarise this progression:

These are very much initial thoughts and we are currently working with the RSGB to develop these ideas. We would be interested to hear from licensees on whether they agree with our initial thoughts or whether you have ideas of your own. Please let us know by e-mail to amcb@ra.gsi.gov.uk or by writing to the Amateur Radio Section, Radiocommunications Agency, Wyndham House, Marsh Wall, London E14 9SX.

You may also wish to look at the RSGB's initial proposals and these can be found at: www.rsgb.org

Top