Although not a piece of amateur radio news, we thought that some of our readers might be interested in a little UK CB radio news, which was confirmed today.
Following a recent consultation, Ofcom has today released a summary statement regarding use of CB radio in the UK. It’s expected that from next year, AM will be allowed CB on 27MHz (11 metres)
CB radio was legalised in the UK in 1981 on 27MHz using FM. CB in the US uses AM, making US imports largely illegal. At the time, the licence cost £15 a year (no exam needed). The licence requirement was dropped in 2006. The system remains on 27MHz FM, with a maximum power of 4 watts.
Today’s announcement from Ofcom states that the proposal to allow the use of AM (double sideband and single sideband) has been accepted. 275 responses were received as part of the consultation, with 260 being in favour of the proposal, and it’s expected that the changes will come into force from mid-2014, when AM is likely to be allowed on the CEPT frequencies (26.965MHz to 27.405MHz). Ofcom proposes to limit the maximum effective radiated power for AM transmission on CB radio to 4 Watts (double sideband), and 12 Watts for SSB modulation.
You can find the full statement here: Ofcom: CB Radio – Authorising AM
The 12 page PDF is worth a quick read, just to see how the consultation was handled, and some of the responses received. Facebook has played a part in the proposal’s success. Some of the objections to the proposal cite concerns about the technical knowledge of CB operators, and in response, Ofcom states that it does “not propose to introduce a requirement on CB users to undergo training or demonstrate a defined level of technical competence. We do not believe such provisions are necessary, and would also potentially contradict its hobbyist status.”
There’s also an intriguing suggestion regarding the possible introduction of Morse – CW on CB, anyone?
Any Essex Hams still using CB? Anyone have any thoughts on what difference 12 watts SSB on 11 metres will make to CB, and the pastime of ‘freebanding’?
Also, how do Foundation licence holders (limited to 10 watts on 10 metres) feel about users of 27MHz getting 12 watts without a licence or an exam? Can we expect these changes to make any difference to CB and/or amateur radio? Please add your comments below.
Thanks to John Bowen G8DET from CARS for flagging up today’s Ofcom announcement
Related links
- MDS975: History of CB – A short article outlining the history of CB radio in the UK
It should make no difference to ham radio , except those hams that still use cb will probably use it more ,as to power well it just shows the woefull state of foundation and intermediate power levels. and antenna rules , What everyone should remember when 10 meters fades hams can use other bands, not so with cb , also have you listenesd to legal cb ? its full of olga’s russian taxi’s , much worse than Italian stations, so don’t feel aggrieved or jealous,
by the way 2 meters is terrible how’s about sorting that instead {glass houses }
Well here in Wolverhampton, on C19 its mainly dead keying, music playing, constant talking on C19 as if CB band only had 1 channell. Foul mouth language. So here is my point when it comes legal here in the UK, then the way it is now on C19 will this only spread to the other legal frequencies and modes? OR will all of a sudden will the for the most part the CB users will become more like Gentlemen and use more respect and manors? Some how I do not think so. CB is as some one else said a few week’s ago a band for people who simply do not know how to act in a proper way. So does any one think they will act any better with the legalised expansion of these up coming frequencies? For me well no I do not think so. Having said all that there are a FEW who are sensible but sad to say not many. As for the morons, idiots on the CB band it is slowly spreading onto the 2 meter band. Where on Earth will it all stop?
From what I can gather, in my area there has been a massive amount of action from Ofcom – something well overdue. There have been a fair few known or suspected idiots receiving a visit and in some cases, having their equipment confiscated for things like running excessive amounts of power on PMR and CB bands as well as interfering with Primary users on the HAM bands.
One such incident included attempting to Jam a live link from a local radio station…
Since Ofcom have been knocking on doors, the local radio frequencies that are usually plagued with annoyance have suddenly gone quiet and there’s not been an idiot to be heard lately… :)
the happiest time of my radio hobby,nothing but misey on amateur bands from a narrow minded clique of self opinionated radio operators and we should have had this 30 years ago,too many new ham candidates have already left the ranks but may return to c.b good buddies
A CB radio or “citizens band” radio is the perfect medium range communications tool. The average store bought 2 way radio usually operates on GRMS or FRS frequencies. These frequencies are limited to a few miles and are limited even further by buildings, tress, mountains and all obstacles. CB radios can obtain ranges up to 150 miles, sometimes more. CB’s operate on a different frequency than traditional consumer radios which allows them to obtain these extended ranges and makes them a preferable communications tools.
Many people thought that CB Radios are extinct, but they’re still here and widely used to date. They are very useful and the cost to buy one is quite cheap as compared to the price of cellular phones. There usually used in business, industries, personal use and many more other applications.
CB radio became popular because the HAM radio exam, was for many people, very hard, if not impossible to pass. The attitude of many licenced HAM radio operators towards CB users was ELITIST,SNOBISH AND SNOOTY. It even continues to this day, Even among themselves. A good example! Whenever a Ham writes or spreads information in the written format,or indeed as with some Ham Folk, in face to face conversation.They must remind Other HAM Folks and beginners of their CALL sign. IT SEEMS that the LOWER CALL SIGN Numbers G3 etc are the worst offenders.
You should remember a few things. We all have to start somwhere. You were all treated like this in the beginning. Most Ham folks operating here and now, probably dabbled with CB. And last but not least, It was people like me who demonstated through the streets of London for 3-4 years that got CB into the UK.
EX Pirate of the 11M Band. 27MHZ 1979 to 1981
CLUB MEMBER SBS 616 Handle COLONEL BOGIE
International Callsign 70-WHISKY 434 SSB CH 34 Upper and Lower and always behaved like a truie gent.
Before you all comment on the behaviour of CB users, Check your own frequencies, its not just 2M.
Thank you all, 10-10
CB is still quite active in my local area. We have about 30 regular stations who all behave themselves very well. A handful of idiots still prevail on ch19, but that hasnt been used as a calling channel for years.
A recent cross forum/website poll has recommended new calling channels for the Mid Band:
AM Channel 14 (27.125)
FM Channel 31 (27.315)
USB Channel 27 (27.275)
Many stations have already been heard calling on these channels.
LATEST: OFCOM are set to announce the legalisation date NEXT WEEK! (W/Com 16/06/14)
A CB radio or “citizens band” radio is the perfect medium range communications tool. The average store bought 2 way radio usually operates on GRMS or FRS frequencies. These frequencies are limited to a few miles and are limited even further by buildings, tress, mountains and all obstacles. CB radios can obtain ranges up to 150 miles, sometimes more. CB’s operate on a different frequency than traditional consumer radios which allows them to obtain these extended ranges and makes them a preferable communications tools.
all 2m ops talk about is illness and misery extremely boring people 11m freeband is far more interesting been at it for 32 years
It’s true, they do – and also, what medication they now take to address the side effects of what they have been addicted, sorry, taking before….
As en ex foreign cb’er now radio amateur, I think 12w ssb should be allowed on the provision that the radios cannot be modified to the 10m amateur band and not allowed anywhere near either. The modern pll chips of today make it in most cases very difficult to modify for extended frequecies, by changing the pll chip and or crystals. Radios with pllo2a and 8719 and other types should be outrightly banned.
I have been listening to Danbury repeater for 15 years and i was thinking about doing my foundation licence some years ago but after hearing a drunken man from basildon jaming the Danbury repeater also music playing swearing and licensed golf tangos putting down m3s i am glad i did not waste my time on a exam on cb radio ssb 12 watts i can work into any country i like and with out the band police telling me what to do I am so glad I’m not involved in ham radio
Hangon,it is not that all the time there is a lot of good pepal on ham radio so do not tare as all with the same brus, yes you git them but you git them on CB to not only hamradio.
As another foreign ex-CB operator I think that the basic principles of decency should prevail and let all communicators treat each other with respect – given and expected.
You will never stamp out idiots – this world has too many – but you can ignore them and that is what they cant stand – being ignored, their world crumples eventually.
On the matter of licensing 11/10 meters I think they should be combined with a proven ability to use sensibly and allow a period of “APPRENTICESHIP” on 11 meters before getting the clearance to use the repeaters.
I’d try my licence if that were the case.
As an ex CB,er on AM and SSB I have only just found out this information. I think it sounds a good thing if still current in 2015. I am now a licenced G1 having had it a lot of years but do not see myself as superior to other HAM,s with 2EO,s or 2E1,s callsigns as it was thought the UK should have a similar tier of stages to our licencing as in the USA. This was a good thing to by getting in on the bottom rung so as to speak. I also took an M3 foundation course and because an M0 was available in my last 3 letters I paid for this too. It was that with these changes many G1,s that if gained with another callsign reverted back to their previous one.
It might be that i try to get an AM Cb with SSB and try that again .
I wish all Cb,ers and hams the best and what others have said on here I re-iterate that we all should get along .
WELL,well,well . Nothing dam well changes does it I got my licence in 1968 given encouragement by other G8`s all 3 of them,now some worked in Dollis hill research site and a company (STC)That were making low/mid band am/fm transistor txrx 25w out unheard off.I digress we had out and out snobbery.no morse no ticket,oh keep them on VHF .and when we were given 144MHz. there was nearly fisticufs on night at the club.
as long as we do what’s right,we all have something to contribute.But try making something and get some pleasure doing it.
jon
I am air 2000 in Coventry sill on CB radio from 81 & now bin a long time
I am using CB-Radio grom 1993 . In UK from 2003.I am grom Poland my CB Radio Have 100 Watts on AM/FM and 200 Watts on SSB. I am using as well selective call box and Ham Radios . Need to be used good antenna to minimalise noises on close area on TV, Radio etc.Of course I don’t need still working with maximum power.But it give me proof that my signal is strong and going around the World.Don’t worry Italian CB-Radio Operators many times working with 600 Watts!
I like this discussion.I have been licenced since 1983 (G1) but before that was on C.B both illegal A.M and U.K F.M.Now back in the fray after a long time,I find the operators on 27.555 U.S.B are well mannered and operate in the way of amateurs on the other H.F bands.Snobbery does still exist but nowhere near as bad as it used to be.I am a regular user of 11 meters and again,yes,there are still morons out there BUT ignore them and they soon disappear and go play with their I-Phones.C.B always has and still is a good deal of fun.Given the choice?Well,I do like operating on 80 meters but enjoy a bit of freebanding
Good call about radio etiquette, unfortunately some hams I know use CB because they can indulge in language and poor procedures because it’s CB.. not for me an acceptable attitude.
THE requirement to give callsigns on amateur radio is regulatory requirement and not to be
snobbish,the law dictates this so amateurs have to oblige,the gentleman concerned needs
to get his facts correct,it is like driving motor vehicles,index plates are required everywhere,
as one would say………….ITS THE RULES,DAMN IT.Everything in life has its rules,get used to it,the state machine always wins.
Hi .
I’m very interested in cb radio , my dad had a very cool rig when I was younger an it’s kind of stuck with me. I’m looking at getting set up and fitted in my car.. just be rather smart to take me back to my childhood days, my dad use to chat all over the world and had a shoe box of letters from his contacts.. I allways remember his handle was Taurus… good times.. any help and advice would be very much appreciated.. thanks..
Steve..
Have a look here Stevie….this is the biggest CB club in the country (Its completely free to join).
http://charlietango.co.uk/index/
Hi Stevie.
I guess a majority of us started out on CB radio wether it was AM from a imported set or a FM rig which was available a little later on legalisation day. Regulations relaxed a bit now allowing more modes and easier operating experiences for eleven metre enthusiasts. In my case my entry into CB was well after my interest in Amateur radio which was kindled by two elder school boys who came in to school brandishing two walk-in talkies. We as kids were dumbfounded that these two could talk to each other across the school buildings. Never got to the bottom of there legalities but we were school kids anyway. Who cared about licensing then when you were thirteen.. enjoy your CB and maybe pursue a upgrade to a Amateur licence when you feel you are right.
hi there everybody,i have been reading your comments on this site with intrigue,i as many other people was using a AM MULTIMODE 2 in the 60/70 and had quite a considerable base station ie HAM JUMBO also a kenwood receiver, and a few other gadgets, mobile i was using 100 watt variable and i found this to be amply and could talk to stations all over the world, and have qsl cards to back this up,many of my contacts were radio hams and i must say that i found them to be professional and total gentleman,I AM NOW 74 YOUNG and have decided to start up again out of boredom and have just bought a president jackson radio and will be working off a 5/8wave venom antenna which has a reasonable gain, but will only be dx ing so listen out for the call sign 70 w 692 which i have always used,just out of interest when operating on AM years ago and with power i had a visit from the powers to be,they came inside my home and looked at my radio and what i was using and just said i was causing tvi and could i rectify it,on which i agreed,on exit they commended me on my use of the radio and said we wont be back,must admit i thought i was going to lose it all,so cb radio is good if you use it as you should do and use the correct Q codes, Good D Xing