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G4EBT > OFCOM 04.09.05 12:21l 210 Lines 7858 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 860635G4EBT
Read: GUEST
Subj: Here are Ofcom's Proposals
Path: DB0FHN<DB0FOR<DB0MRW<OK0PPL<DB0RES<ON0AR<GB7FCR
Sent: 050904/1015Z @:GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU #:65457 [Blackpool] FBB-7.03a $:860635G4
From: G4EBT@GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU
To : OFCOM@WW
For those on here who don't have internet access, here's a summary of the
Ofcom Consulation Proposals taken verbatim from their website . When
reading them it should be borne in mind that to the process of carrying
out an "options appraisal" is a normal business process in strategic
planning.
This involves first listing all the options, then evaluating each one
in turn, rather than dismissing any options out of hand in a lip-jerk
reaction.
Thus it's entirely appropriate that Ofcom should list "Alternative 1"
below for evaluation, which seems to have really spooked the RSGB, who
seems to see it as part of a hidden agenda to dismantle amateur radio.
Ofcom's own conclusions are outlined, subject to feedback from others.
I'd have thought that their conclusions would reassure most right-minded
people - not be a catalyst for daft RSGB propaganda adverts evocative of
the Cold War era.
Quote:
Ofcom regards the amateur radio community as an important radio spectrum
user group and will ensure that the needs of the community are reflected
in policymaking.
Ofcom wishes to seek the least intrusive means of regulating wherever
possible and is committed (as directed in the Communications Act 2003) to
reducing the regulatory burden (and therefore, costs) for all of its
stakeholders.
However, Ofcom will balance this against the need to retain all necessary
safeguards to ensure the integrity of radio spectrum use, including use by
the amateur radio community.
We outline four options for reform in this consultation document:
First option: A proposal to introduce a lighter, electronic licensing
process - "licences for life"
This proposal would reduce costs to licensees, reduce bureaucracy for
licensees and enable Ofcom to serve the community more efficiently. It
would mean:
Amateur radio licences would be valid for life, thereby avoiding the need
for renewals. A "licence for life" would remain valid for the lifetime of
the licensee. Licences would only be updated where amendments to licence
details were necessary (e.g. changes of name, address or licence level);
Electronic, printable licences would be available online. This would
provide an alternative to the postal service;
Electronic, printable licences (probably PDF docs) would be available to
users of the online, web-based, self-service licensing service free of
charge;
Ofcom would continue to be able to process applications received by other
means but in order to cover the extra administration of such applications
a small fee would be charged. We would of course continue to make special
provision for disabled applicants so that they would not be disadvantaged
by any arrangements of this type;
Ofcom would continue to hold a database of the names and addresses of
amateur radio users.
Alternative 1 - WT Act licence exemption
This alternative would mean:
There would be no licence document available for inspection by foreign
administrations;
Ofcom would no longer hold a database of the names and addresses of
amateur radio users;
It would still be necessary to allocate call-signs;
There would still be the need for conditions to be attached to the
Licensing Exemption Regulations such as the need for a valid Radio
Amateur Examination Pass Certificate;
There would be no charge for radio use to the amateur radio user.
Alternative 2 - Maintain the existing licensing regime but with an
extended renewal period
This alternative would mean:
The licence application process would be familiar and all existing
safeguards on standards and competence to operate would be retained;
The cost of the licensing process would be slightly reduced;
Ofcom would continue to notify amateur radio licence holders of changes to
their licence terms and conditions;
Ofcom would continue to hold a database of the names and addresses of
amateur radio users.
Alternative 3 - Maintain the existing licensing regime
This alternative would mean:
The licence application process would be familiar and all existing
safeguards on standards and competence to operate would be retained;
The present cost structure and charging mechanisms would remain unchanged;
Ofcom would continue to notify amateur radio licence holders of changes to
their licence terms and conditions;
Ofcom would continue to hold a database of the names and addresses of
amateur radio users.
On balance, and having considered all four options, Ofcom is minded to
recommend "Licences for Life". This proposal would reduce the regulatory
burden on the amateur radio community whilst retaining the necessary
safeguards to ensure the integrity of this important use of the radio
spectrum.
It would also be consistent with the level of regulatory intervention
required to manage amateur radio spectrum and also with the UK's
international obligations.
Specifically, Ofcom believes the following would not change if this
proposal was put into effect:
Existing standards would be maintained.
There would still be a legal requirement for radio amateurs to hold a
valid WT Act amateur radio licence.
The licensee would retain the responsibility for ensuring that licence
details are amended as and when necessary (upon a change of address for
example).
Ofcom would retain the power to revoke the licence should the radio
amateur breach the terms of the licence.
It would still be a requirement to hold a valid Radio Amateur Examination
Pass Certificate in order to obtain a licence.
For radio amateurs who wish to operate overseas, there would still be a
licence document available for inspection by foreign administrations.
Ofcom would continue to hold a database of the names and addresses of all
licensed radio amateurs.
Every amateur would continue to hold their own unique call-sign(s).
Ofcom would continue to notify amateur radio licence holders of changes to
their licence terms and conditions.
It would still be possible for radio amateurs to apply for a Notice of
variation to the licence if required.
It would still be possible to operate amateur radio repeaters.
It would still be possible to operate packet radio.
Current spectrum access rights would be maintained. Ofcom’s spectrum
management and enforcement activities are not determined according to
the level of the licence fee.
All licensed radio amateurs would automatically receive a "licence for
life". No action would be required on their part unless their licence
had lapsed at the point when "licences for life" were introduced.
Ofcom, or its agents, would continue to provide a postal service for
applicants who do not have access to the internet or who prefer not to use
the internet.
In summary, Ofcom believes that radio amateurs must continue to hold a
valid WT Act amateur radio licence and must hold a valid Radio Amateur
Examination Pass Certificate in order to obtain a licence.
We welcome your views on whether you agree with our analysis and
conclusions and hope that you will respond to this consultation.
Following the end of the consultation period, and after first considering
each of the responses received during the consultation, we will publish a
statement.
The statement will summarise the views expressed during the consultation,
provide Ofcom's response to each of these views and set out Ofcom's
decision regarding the future of amateur radio licensing.
We regret that it will not be possible for Ofcom to write back to each
respondent individually although we will confirm receipt of any electronic
submissions.
End quote.
Looks OK to me.
I dare say that most amateurs will just keep pottering on as ever
they've done, quite oblivious to all the fuss and bother.
73 - David, G4EBT @ GB7FCR
QTH: Cottingham, East Yorkshire.
Message timed: 11:10 on 2005-Sep-04
Message sent using WinPack-Telnet V6.70
(Registered).
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