Ofcom released a consultation document on the 17th of January 2025, outlining possible changes to exempt the use of some equipment whose use currently requires an Ofcom licence – potentially removing the need for a licence, or revisions to the existing terms.
Much of this doesn’t affect us directly as radio amateurs, but of course does affect the spectrum that we all use, so may be worth a review. That said, there is one section in this document specifically relating to UK amateur radio
What areas are being covered?
The document is a lengthy one, but covers the following categories:
- Mobile communications onboard aircraft and vessels
- Short-range devices (such as remote controls, car fobs, etc)
- Radio, TV and film equipment, such as wireless mics and in-ear monitoring
- RFID – Inductive Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)
- Active medical implants
- Wideband data transmission systems (WBDTS) in data networks
- Assistive Listening Device, for example, induction loop systems for the hearing impaired
- Transport and Traffic Telematics (TTT) devices
- Ultra-wideband (UWB) for location tracing, traffic management, vehicle application, etc
- Autonomous maritime radio devices (AMRDs)
- Coastal Station Radio (Training School)
- Testing and Development under suppressed radiation conditions
- Amateur Radio (Full) (Temporary Reciprocal)
Amateur Radio Temporary Reciprocal?
Ofcom is considering extending the existing licence exemption for overseas radio amateurs to include those on short visits from foreign countries.
Of course, this is already possible with certain countries under the CEPT T/R-61 agreement, but the proposal would allow visitors from the following countries to be allowed to operate on short-term visits (less than 3 months), provided that they hold the equivalent of a UK Full licence:
Bermuda, Botswana, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Gibraltar, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.
More info and taking part
You can download the 60-page consultation document, and submit a response, from the following page:
Ofcom Consultation: Updating WT Licence Exemptions
Your thoughts?
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