If You Operate Ham Radio WATCH THIS!

Ofcom has updated the amateur radio framework to make it fit for the future. These changes offer Ham radio users greater operating freedoms - helping to meet their needs now and in the future. Watch this video to find out more on these changes and what they mean for you.
Our statement on the Amateur radio license framework can be found here www.ofcom.org....
Our general notice of the proposal to vary Amateur radio licenses can also be found here www.ofcom.org....

[@daveys]

First thing I did once this came out was to revoke my foundation and intermediate callsigns, just to save admin later. Some great changes, particularly the “under supervision”. Thanks Ofcom!!

[@JonathanCreaser]

Great succinct explainer, and it was nice to see such a well presented video. Thank you 👍

[@smiffykuk]

All understood… thanks for the info..have already studied this but seeing you on the video is helpful to many I think ☺️

[@combatwombat71]

After the EMF compliance survey becoming a requirement for anything over 10W EIRP, I see the 1KW thing as a bit of a trap that I'm sure many will fall foul of.

[@CBRadioWayBack10-4]

requirement ?? never done one yet and personally won't.. never did one in the 80's, 90's 2000's or 2010''s so why now ??

[@combatwombat71]

@CBRadioWayBack10-4 because it's in the terms and conditions of your amateur radio licence ...assuming you even have one.

[@jamesarthurreed]

​@@CBRadioWayBack10-4An EMF compliance survey has been a requirement in many jurisdictions for a long while now, and from a reading of Version number 1.0 released 18 May 2021, it is neither difficult nor unduly burdensome, being on par with the general requirements in most other jurisdictions. Ensuring that one is not endangering life or the normal use of of other RF technologies is just a courtesy. I'm mildly surprised that Ofcom, generally being far more reserved in its operating requirements than many other jurisdictions, didn't already have in this the T&C of your licenses.

[@alannorthdevonuk763]

@@CBRadioWayBack10-4 I only got around to doing this a few months ago, didn't take long to do and was very straightforward. Don't be scared.

[@CBRadioWayBack10-4]

@@alannorthdevonuk763 scared ?? nothing to be scared of, i don't follow or listen to the aRSeGB, and Ofcom aren't fit for purpose, they don't give me any cause for alarm. It's my radio and my hobby i operate how i want without any dictators trying to tell me how to do what i've been doing for 40 years..

[@simonmw0nwm13]

Thank you for the video, it will help clarify a few things for people. However I do think making RSLs optional is a big mistake. They are required information for many award schemes. Apart from that I welcome the other changes.

[@Kanjo16]

This is not for the US, this is for GB.

[@alzeNL]

yes, its OFCOM not ARRL....

[@thbe51]

@@alzeNL Probably not even the ARRL. FCC is the right answer.

[@alzeNL]

@@thbe51 ah yes, cheers thb351 ! :D

[@tomwylie7105]

Its for the UK not just GB.

[@afnDavid]

Does Ofcom still think that radio licenses (not hams) is a State Secret?

[@ianbardell8030]

This is fantastic. However, the GPDO is still restricting amateurs with regards to antennas size and height to comply with OFCOM and the ICNIRP regulations to allow full licence holders the ability to ability to use the full power limits

[@grandpaandlucas7054]

After reading through the comments I can honestly say the intelligence needed to be radio amateur has declined.

[@g7vqedave2]

Have to agree, I'm sure I'm thicker than you, by the way you missed an A out there good buddy!

[@jacianmcgurk7424]

When a complete fool tries to pontificate to the masses. LOL a a a a a a a a a a a LOL

[@ethzero]

I'm currently studying for a Foundation License. An Amateur friend made me aware of these changes from February, however it appears that the RSGB have asked OfCom to examine people like myself under the "old" rules until September 2024 rather than simply current rules. I'm hoping that would-be HAM operators in the same situation aren't faced with a multiple choice question in the exam regarding say, max power output and the choices are: 10 W, 25 W, etc, etc. as one may reasonable assume a licensee must keep themselves up to date, especially while studying.

[@craigbrown4180]

I past my foundation licence 6 weeks ago and yes they ask questions about the old power limits same on the intermediate licence witch I passed yesterday but it's nothing to worry about good luck 73

[@StreakyP]

Great video. Many thanks. Re the good news about airborne operation now being permitted... Does this mean Ryanair will allow me to trail a long wire out the window of their 737?

[@nickaxe771]

Its a serious subject Sir.

[@dennis8196]

​@@nickaxe771first time on the internet?

[@MW6PNW]

😂😂😂

[@nickaxe771]

@@dennis8196 Who?

[@combatwombat71]

As a pilot, I hope to try aeronautical 2m one day. From around 5000ft that should make for some nice FM DX 😊

[@dataterminal]

Why are the different levels of licence still subjugated into call signs, particularly if you're removing the ability for someone to have multiple level call signs. Doesn't it seem like you're just forcing people to abandon one call sign for another only to give them the option of changing it anyway every so many years. uk seems to be in this unique position of issuing call signs based on a category of their licence.

[@jayrogers8255]

The U.S. does this too, but the higher your license class, the shorter your callsign can be, down to 4 characters.

[@GhostCallparanormal]

Had find out what series 2 callsign was, as you should have said series 2x callsign. But all in all a very good explanation, thank you.

[@generalmassive1907]

I for one will be keeping my 2E1 call, have had it now for 26 years 😂

[@Chris-hy6jy]

Please update the power limit of simplex gateways. It makes no sense being limited to 5W ERP. Theres no reason it shouldn't be at least as high as a repeater, 25W.

[@terryhayward7905]

I was a licensed ham way back in the 1980s on 2metre and 70 cm, my callsign was G6ISF, my license has lapsed for many years. Is it possible to get my license back with the old callsign, and if so, can someone tell me where to start ?

[@m0bob]

You will need to provide OFCOM with a copy of your RAE certificate. If you don't have it any longer, contact the RSGB and ask them to check the old amateur radio call books. If your call sign is listed, they will send you a copy for you to submit to OFCOM. Good luck Bob M0BOB.

[@RustyOrange71]

The licence authority just needs to update your address details. Your call sign will remain the same. Phone RSGB, they'll explain it all.

[@ianhope1073]

Depends how many years ago you last held the call sign whether you would get the old call sign back, often they can be, but if have been inactive for a considerable number of years, someone may have cherry picked the old call sign if it's gone back to the pot, has happened if a call sign has been inactive for over 5 years. Contact Ofcom, if you have proof of call sign, old log books, call books, your originally RAE pass, etc for a small fee they can often reinstate you

[@RustyOrange71]

Better yet, phone ofcom

[@1kc1981]

Intermediate licence holders got shafted i feel. Didnt get the same power increases and still have the awkward callsign

[@bgorveatt]

Your callsign in Canada is yours for life, until you change it. They are also free!!

[@brian.7966]

so what they are really saying is you only need to send it 2 cornflake packets tops instead of 3 to get a license.

[@CBRadioWayBack10-4]

just find a local dead amateur and use their callsign.. Ofcom don't have a clue who's dead for alive as they give any old call sign to anyone who asks for it..

[@jmileshc]

Thank you.

[@SurvivingTheApocalypse]

The changes to the special event callsigns. Will this mean that intermediate license holders will now be able to apply for them?

[@alridd7038]

Mw12345a just doesn’t have the same ring to rubber duck or the silver fox 😮

[@alswanny]

I have a canadain full license but wish to return to the UK, is there a recipical agreement as I wish to return permanently.

[@andyracksthecams]

Thank you

[@nickaxe771]

Ofcom.....any more details of when I can cancel my 2E0 and apply for a M8 or M9.

[@Ofcom]

In phase 2 (later in 2024).

[@anthonyfletcher6644]

I don't like my 2e call sign but like to use me M6 so I'd be looking to change that to the M8/9 but I have so many things registered under m6 call such as Digital mode registration for example Brandmeister, Dstar, aprs ect...

[@gtretroworld]

When you say supervision would this allow me to supervise an operator who maybe using my equipment and let’s say for arguments sake i was portable?

[@wingfoot9851]

Yes.

[@richardmillican7733]

I think the only stipulation is that you are physically present. Otherwise theres a possibility of an unlicensed operator, using your callsign without your knowledge? which sort of makes sense.

[@gtretroworld]

@@richardmillican7733 I was thinking the same but it seems a very open grey area, for example a supervisor at work won’t be standing over you all the time, i know it’s completely different but can you see my point.

[@2013Davey]

@@gtretroworld I should think that the closeness of the supervision would all depend upon the trust level ... ranging from 3" to within earshot

[@dennis8196]

​@@2013Daveywhat's that in metric moneys?

[@wisteela]

These changes are fantastic. And It's great that they're changing the format of intermediate call signs to match the others. 73 M7TUD

[@claudio6493]

I stay in Scotland I own a fundamental license and I would like to keep my callsign....

[@tomwylie7105]

Whats a fundamental licence?

[@claudio6493]

@@tomwylie7105 Sorry I meant a " Foundation Licence" ;-)

[@swampyuk6987]

I wanna keep my Callsigns

[@tomhill4738]

I don't use a callsign I am a pirate

[@grantpeck]

When is phase 2 happening? 2E0TGP

[@Ofcom]

Later in 2024

[@MrBracey1970]

when can I swop out my 2E0 for a M8?

[@Ofcom]

Phase 2

[@MrBracey1970]

Which is when? Date? Spring? Summer?

[@Ofcom]

Later in 2024@@MrBracey1970

[@richardpowell723]

A great explanation and very welcome information thank you. M0DSK

[@CrucesNomad1]

Sounds complicated to new applicants.

[@polomint46]

Please edit this video properly, no pause for thought for the viewer. Put across too fast.

[@dennis8196]

KZbin doesn't charge anything if you press pause, or rewatch the video. They helpfully provide captions you can sing a long with.

[@Kid27085]

looooooooool. Imagine having a pause/play button, and the ability to rewind at your own leisure..

[@lottytaylor572]

Ofcom corrupt to the core

[@SecuritySpecial]

Well explained but can I upgrade my Paw Patrol 50mW hand held to 25W and use it from the Alton Towers Chair-o-Plane ride without an NoV ? And while we're on the subject, when will CB radio be made legal in the UK ?

[@daveschwarz5279]

Ofcom officials get younger every year 😂…

[@dennis8196]

You are getting old my friend, like the rest of us.

[@rnrbishop]

Bless him, doing some good work.

[@N5KDA]

Maybe the title of this should be changed to "If You operate Ham Radio in the UK, watch this".

[@Kid27085]

if you took three seconds to look at the entity which posted the video, then you would have already known who the intended audience is...... Would the FCC post content relating to non-US entities?

[@trueriver1950]

Yeah: like as soon as the zillion Americans giving US-specific advice on law start to say which country they are talking about...

[@colourist.]

Dreadful title as this is solely for the UK. Dreadful audio . Hurridly delivered. OFCOM indeed ;)

[@IanHopkins-g4wuh]

In the UK we are Radio Amateurs not Radio Ham. That is American

[@dennis8196]

Tony Hancock would disagree

[@dennis8196]

The 2 terms are universally interchangable in both American and English

[@nicholasroberts6954]

Ofcock - At least they're consistent across the range of services provided ...from fibre rollout to hammy hamsters... off with tbe fairies. What tbe hell does anybody need a 1 kw Tx for.? (Apart from squashing competitors on repeaters from long distance). I thought the joy of HR was seeing how little power that could be used to make a connection. Householders local to a "Boom-box" 1 Kw transmitter are set for a bit of fun on the reception and interference front, especially when there are "Lift conditions" on and mains isolation on the Tx isn't too good. Remember when tbe Beeb used to post notices on the TV during the '60s ... "We are experiencing interference from foreign stations"

[@QwazyWabbit]

Proof that one can be an amateur radio operator and still know nothing about microphone placement and room echo.

[@prepr8725]

terrible audio

[@thbe51]

I think you should point out that this is for the UK only. Not the USA or EU or whatever......

[@VK4MPB]

FYI, Ofcom is the official UK government regulator for radio / TV. Just like the FCC is for the US.

[@butch3715]

Consider changing your video title to address UK hams.

[@steelheadplayer]

It's amaTeur , not amacher.

[@hahanah1463]

He said it fine. Relax good sir

[@Kid27085]

you really are bored

[@steelheadplayer]

@@Kid27085 And you are boring.

[@ChrisLee-UK]

Seriously! 🤣

[@ZzedZed]

WRONG!!! Radio Ama--tur. NOT AMA-CHUR.

[@Safair1306]

Arrogant Brit.... not even mentioning his country....

[@ZzedZed]

3m:17 WRONG. we can already supervise non-licenced people. eg: boy scouts on the air. girlguides on the air, field days, etc. Come on ofcom get something Right.

[@hoardagency4754]

Sorry you are wrong, before they could only pass on a greeting message and not operate the equipment. New rules allow them to operate the equipment under supervision

[@robertabbott7770]

Also before it was Full licence holders only , now any licence holder can supervise non-licenced people under the terms of their licence conditions .

[@rnrbishop]

Just shows a lot of pillocks never read their licence terms.

[@MrOldways]

Radio snobs have always spoiled Ham Radio. I have never had a `licence` in 50 odd years of operation on ALL bands & never will.