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G4EBT > FREECB 20.11.03 17:19l 148 Lines 5731 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 221880G4EBT
Read: GUEST
Subj: Re: UK CB licence to be scrapped!
Path: DB0FHN<DB0FOR<DB0SIF<DB0EA<DB0RES<ON0AR<GB7FCR
Sent: 031120/1515Z @:GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU #:26087 [Blackpool] FBB-7.03a $:221880G4
From: G4EBT@GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU
To : FREECB@WW
Commenting on my earlier bulletin about CB de-reg, Dave, M0DCM wrote:-
> More OLD NEWS!!
Yes, it's not "hot off the press", but I hadn't seen it on packet before
and as there'd been some recent bulls on the topic of AMRAD/CB licences,
I felt that anyone with a passing interest licensing matters - especially
overseas amateurs, might like some info on developments in the UK.
Dave:
> I heard about this around 12 months ago, I think either via the RSGB
> News or some Magazine.
The R.A. Consultation Document is dated March 2003. The timetable is:
July 2004 - CB to be derugulated:
80 Channels, individual licences no longer needed, operating conditions
still apply.
July 2010:
Derugulated CB continues, but with 40 CEPT channels only.
More pertinent to amateur radio, RA states:
Quote:
"CB radio is not a protected service; ie it is not protected from
interference from other authorised radio users. This status is unaffected
by proposed deregulation. Evidence of harmful interference and illegal
radio use will continue to be investigated *in accordance with the RA's
priorities*".
Unquote.
Amateur radio may well go the same way, as it's doing elsewhere in the
world. We might not like it, but the plain fact is that "Hobby Radio"
is a tiny and declining part of spectrum management - a much lower
priority than commercial radio where there are business and public
service interests to consider.
OFCOM also point to domestic low power wireless devices ("LPD's") such as
laptops with wireless internet connections; infra-red remote controls for
TV's hi-fi, DVD's etc; remote-controlled model toys; baby alarms; key
fobs; and of course mobile phones. All of these are of immense benefit and
have their rightful place in the spectrum, just as we do. The have
millions of users - we have a few thousand, CB has even less than us.
> I can see quite a lot of Pirating going to happen when they do scrap
> the UK-40, as there are quite a few 40ch only rigs still out there, so
> I hope the new regulator OFCOM has enough TAX-PAYERS money to over come
> this problem in around 7yrs time.
The answer to that is above - CB pirating will take its place in OFCOM's
priorities. I'd have thought it would be at the bottom of their list. If
the RA are right in their thinking, I doubt there's going to be very much
CB left in seven years time. To quote RA:
"In the early 1990's the number of CB licences peaked at 300,000. There
are currently some 23,000 on issue, and the number is steadily declining
at the rate of approx 10% per year. In 2004, the proposed date of
deregulaiton, it is estimated that the number of licences will have fallen
to 20,800. If the annual 10% rate of decline continues, there will be
around 10,400 licences (less than 3.5% of the peak total), by 2010"
I'm glad that CB's had its day. Its fate was sealed from day one, as it
had its roots in criminality. Anarchic CBers using illegal equipment,
hi-jacked the model control frequencies from law-abiding licensed
hobbyists causing the RA to bow to the inevitable with the CB/81
arrangements.
CB became a cesspit. Many respectable CBers migrated to amateur radio - a
few brought their bad habits with them. Others gave up CB in despair. It's
always had a shabby, downbeat image, and in addition to licensed CBers,
has been plagued with unlicensed ones.
The RA Annual Report for 2002/03 shows 6 prosecutions of CB FM; 6 of CB
AM; 13 Official Cautions, and 4 Warning letters.(No action against UK
amateurs).
The RA's biggest problem - which they're gradually getting top side of,
is pirate broadcasting stations. Last year there were 56 convictions, 9
official cautions, and 42 warning letters. (2001/02, it was 29, 6 and 8).
'EBT:
> > One thing that the RA could do which would help a little, is to scrap
> > the need for mandatory log-keeping.
Dave:
> I know a few Hams that don't use logbooks, but why scrap Logbooks? I
> find it an essential tool to remembering who and when I spoke to
> anyone. I wonder are you one of these that don't use a logbook?
I didn't say "scrap the logbooks". (Scrapping the Morse test doesn't
mean scrapping Morse either). I said "scrap the need for *mandatory*
log-keeping". Most amateurs seem to like to keep a log for their own
interest, which is fine.
However, as things stand, if you don't log every call - even chatting to
your chum on 2m for a few minutes, you're in contravention of your licence
and could have it revoked. That's just plain daft. The same applies if
you call CQ on say 20 M and get no replies - you must enter it into your
logbook. More red-tape - OFCOM won't want to faff about over such "Hobby
Radio" minutiae.
> So the Secretary of State will no longer be in charge of Ham Licenses
> as of 2004 when OFCON oops OFCOM take over!
I'm not sure who OFCOM reports to - I assume it's the Minister for
Communications, Stephen Timms. Presently, the RA reports to the Dept
of Trade and Industry, (DTI). I Don't know where the DTI will fit in
with OFCOM from 2004, if at all.
Included on the menu of OFCOM's Regulatory Principles are:
1) "OFCOM will strive to ensure its interventions will be evidence-based,
proportionate, consistent, accountable, and transparent, in both
deliberation and outcome".
Not like the RA then?
2) "OFCOM will always seek the least intrusive regulatory mechanisms to
achieve its policy objectives".
Ditto.
Interesting times ahead.
73 - David, G4EBT @ GB7FCR
Eddystone User Group Member
G-QRP Club Member No: 1339
QTH: Cottingham, East Yorkshire.
david@crofters89.freeserve.co.uk
Message timed: 10:29 on 2003-Nov-20
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