Those looking to trade in their 2×0 or 2×1 Intermediate callsigns for an M8 or M9 callsign, or to trade in their callsign for a new one, may have to wait a year longer than expected, according to an announcement from Ofcom in October 2024.
As part of Ofcom’s review of the licensing conditions, we saw a bunch of changes to the amateur radio licence in February 2024 (most notably an increase in power). That was “Phase 1” of Ofcom’s changes, with two more phases to follow.
Phases 2 and 3 relied on a new licensing platform which is under development. It seems that due to product development issues, this has been delayed by a year – see Ofcom Licensing Updates 2024.
Here are the two phases that have now been delayed by a year:
Phase 2 – Originally planned for “Later in 2024”
- Ofcom to cease issuing 2x Intermediate calls – to be replaced with M8 and M9
- Existing Intermediates will be encouraged (but not forced) to move to M8 / M9 callsigns
- Simplified rules for Special Event (e.g. GB) callsigns
- Restrictions to the number of callsigns held (one for personal use, up to 5 for clubs)
Phase 3 – Originally planned for “before April 2025”
- Revoking lower-class licences begins (one for personal use, up to 5 for clubs)
- Improved online licence validation
- The ability for amateurs to choose any available callsign
- The ability for amateurs to change their callsign once every 5 years
- Reissuing of old callsigns after a 5-year grace period
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