Interference to amateur radio is normally caused by:
- electromagnetic disturbance from apparatus or installations;
- poor immunity or receiver selectivity;
- multiple users using the same channel at the same time in close range (congestion); or
- unlicensed use of wireless telegraphy apparatus.
Read more about the causes of interference.
What you can do
Before contacting Ofcom, we urge radio amateurs to seek advice from the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). The RSGB website contains detailed guidance on how to mitigate against interference. See the RSGB guide to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
The RSGB can help radio amateurs and others who might be affected by problems which occur within the amateur bands, or which develop on other frequencies as a result of amateur transmissions. Email: helpdesk.emc@rsgb.org.uk
How we can help
In exceptional circumstances, we may investigate interference to radio equipment where we’re satisfied that:
- the interference is ‘harmful’;
- it is outside of your control; and
- all reasonable steps have been taken to minimise the effect.
We may send out an engineer to investigate. However, you might be liable for the cost of the investigation if we find that the criteria above have not been met.
What is harmful interference?
An electromagnetic disturbance or noise is not in itself ‘harmful’ interference.
Interference to radio communications is harmful if:
- it creates danger, or risks of danger, in relation to the functioning of any service provided by means of wireless telegraphy for the purposes of navigation or otherwise for safety purposes
- it degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts anything which is being broadcast or otherwise transmitted by means of wireless telegraphy and in accordance with a wireless telegraphy licence, or a grant of recognised spectrum access or otherwise lawfully.
It is unlikely that Ofcom would investigate a report of interference that is not regarded as ‘harmful’. It's not our policy, and we don’t have powers to do this effectively.
Report interference
Before reporting interference to us, you should:
- log all incidents for at least a week with the time, date and station or apparatus affected;
- establish that the source of harmful interference is not within your control (for example within your own property);
- make sure the affected station or apparatus is functioning correctly.
Contact us for advice and assistance, or complete our interference to amateur radio form.
- Email: interference.report@ofcom.org.uk
- Tel: 01462 428540