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Radio
Amateur Old Timers' Association
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Ms. Karen Scott
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House,
189 Marsh Wall,
London E14 9SX
Dear Ms. Scott,
Making Connections and the Amateur Radio Licence
The main purpose of this letter is to respond to Appendix 3 of "Spectrum Pricing: Implementing the Third Stage and Beyond", and to draw the attention of the Radiocommunications Agency to the concerns of members of the Radio Amateur Old Timers' Association, and many others, to the tendency to, so-called, dumb-down Amateur Radio. We regret that the RSGB appears to disregard totally or even scorn these concerns. In the circumstances, we feel that a direct approach to the RA is essential.
However, firstly, on behalf of my Members, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the RA for the invitations to the Making Connections 99 meetings. I know those who have attended have found the meetings very helpful, particularly by way of an appreciation of the full role of the RA and our place in the scheme of things. It was as a result of my attendance at the Leeds meeting that I became aware of Appendix 3.
I have addressed a version of this letter directly also for the attention of Mr. David Hendon, your Chief Executive. However, I am responding to you particularly in connection with the request for comments in Appendix 3. In relation to the OTNews inclusions with this letter, surprisingly a significant number of Members of RAOTA, as well as others who are not members, expressly requested that my comments in the Summer 1999 issue (number 52) of OTNews, our Journal, should be drawn to the attention of your Agency. I trust that you will find these enclosures self-explanatory.
Our main concern is the deliberate depreciation of the standards required for holding an Amateur Radio Licence. This is with the intention, apparently, of maintaining, or even increasing, the present number of licensed Radio Amateurs, for whatever reason. Although very many of us are members of the RSGB, and have retained membership out of long-standing loyalty, we are concerned about the continuing pressure on the RA by the RSGB to lower further the requirements for holding a licence.
Other than the inevitable ultimate demise of the requirement to pass a Morse test, we are of the opinion that this process driven by the RSGB which, by its present nature, must have a vested business interest, has gone far enough. We find comments from the RSGB President to the effect that " ... we must make amateur radio attractive to a wider audience, right across the age range ... " and " ... by removing obstacles and improving licence privileges, it is hoped the number of amateurs in the UK will grow, " somewhat disturbing.
I know the RA has no axe to grind, so to speak, since Amateur Radio represents only 1.45% of your income and is probably a somewhat unwelcome burden to the RA. This is evident to some extent from the information contained in Appendix 3 and from what I know of the wider responsibilities of the RA.
The RSGB is not more authoritative in negotiating with the RA, but simply larger. In any case, it does not represent all Amateurs. In the circumstances, it will be appreciated if our feelings on this subject are taken into consideration when changes in licensing criteria and requirements are proposed. Whilst the involvement of Radio Amateurs does not carry many of the implications of professionals, a very large proportion of Radio Amateurs take the subject seriously.
Finally, whilst we appreciate that " ... four distinct call sign series causes additional administrative work" (page 2 of Appendix 3), if I have understood correctly what is being said, I feel that different levels of licensing indicated by a suffix, added only by the licensee, may be unacceptable. If it is not pushing an analogy too far, most amateurs who have made a greater effort to distinguish themselves by way of training and knowledge will expect this to be indicated by their callsign, as with grades and types of university degree.
In both this connection and our concern about standards, most Radio Amateurs have a great sense of pride in their achievement. Many, through their efforts have obtained their licences very late in life through commendable effort. As mentioned in my OTNews writing, in previous years many young people achieved full licences despite educational disadvantage and physical handicap. Personally, I feel it wrong to undermine such achievements to no advantage to Amateur Radio and certainly of no benefit to the Radiocommunications Agency, unless you are looking for work!
Otherwise, we find your consideration of Amateur Radio and the licensing of Radio Amateurs reasonably thoughtful.
Yours sincerely
Kenneth Jones G3RRN
President, Radio Amateur Old Timers' Association
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