| |
G0FTD > FREECB 21.11.03 02:00l 99 Lines 4388 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 160008G0FTD
Read: GUEST
Subj: Re: UK CB licence to be scrapped!
Path: DB0FHN<DB0THA<DB0ERF<DB0HOT<OK0PBX<OK0PAD<OK0PPL<DB0RES<ON0AR<IK1ZNW<
GB7CRV<GB7CIP<GB7WIG
Sent: 031120/2132Z @:GB7WIG.#34.GBR.EU #:30662 XFBB7.03 Bid:160008G0FTD
From: G0FTD@GB7WIG.#34.GBR.EU
To : FREECB@WW
M0DCM wrote:-
> 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.
Back in March 2003 I sent a response to their consultation document
as follows:
> I support the deregulation of Citizens Band radio.
>
> There is no activity on CB to regulate that matters to anyone.
>
> Deregulation also helps local groups such as Event Marshals.
> This would mean that cheap CB equipment can be used without licencing
> problems and cost. An example would be my local Carnival Association
> requiring radio equipment. We currently have to rely on short term PMR
> hire radios and a repeater, which of course costs. PMR446 radio's just
> don't have the range but 27 Mhz equipment performs better and can be
> purchased by individuals.
>
> I do not support the proposal to withdraw the UK specific channels.
>
> My reasons are as follows:
>
> There is nothing publicly proposed in your document that could be
> allocated in the UK channels. Your consulatative document only makes
> reference in section 5.9 of "discussions underway regarding possible use
> of the related frequencies". If there is nothing to allocate in the
> related frequencies then the withdrawal only makes equipment obsolete
> for no good reason and creates yet another way for someone to become
> a criminal just for using frequencies not even allocated to anyone else.
>
> Also, interference is still a problem. Under suitable conditions for
> 6 months of the year - the Sporadic E mode of propagation makes the
> CEPT channels far more full of interfering signals than the UK specific
> ones. Having the UK channels provides a less (although not free) of
> interference alternative.
>
> With the recent changes allowing packet radio operation, a source of
> interference to local users is more likely. CB equipment does not
> provide high receiver performance. Front end blocking immunity is poor,
> and users in the centre of EU channels does not provide much leeway
> for users to avoid the aforementioned problem. Having UK channels gives
> some more scope.
>
> There is also too much existing equipment likely to be illegally used
> rendering reallocated services on these frequencies open to interference
> for many potential years. I doubt that the RA has sufficent manpower
> of funds to enforce this area. Also outside the UK exists many illegal
> operators audible throughout much of the year which would be a potential
> source of interfernce to any legal and reallocated services.
>
> To conclude, unless there is something worthy to reallocate on these
> frequencies I do not at present support withdrawal.
>
> Yours faithfully
Now as can be seen from my own response I see no point in taking away
a set of frequencies when there is not even something to reallocate
to that part of 27MHz. All it does is *create* illegality for now
benefit whatsoever.
Lamentable and reckless would be a good way to describe the proposals.
For information - I've had a look at 27Mhz when doing checking HF
propagation and UK activity is very low BUT all that activity appears on
the original UK allocation and NOT the EU allocation !!
Think about it.
As for activity - well I can remember back in those early 80's when
just about every houshold around here sprouted an antenna for the
service. A few years after I had many relations who got bored with it
and ended up giving me about a dozen tranceivers just because I was
already a SWL. Naturally I gave them a go (with a dipole hanging out
the bedroom window!) - it seemed to be inhabited by the good and the bad
just like amateur radio or the local pub !
I think I threw them all away because I soon had an amateur radio licence
anyway and better things to play with.
But these days I think the "CB" should just be considered as another
boring radio service available just like any other. There's nothing
inherently special or bad about it - it's just another way of talking.
Anyone that harks back to so called good old days is just living in
cloud cuckoo land.
It's a radio tranceiver for talking on and thats it.
- Andy -
- Sent from GB7WIG whilst network maintainence is still in progress -
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
