OFCOM this week released their consultation document on the future of Amateur Radio in the UK and their proposals to move the hobby forward.
It is an interesting if somewhat long document with one or two minor errors but on the whole, a considered look at the hobby I love.
I am going to attempt here to formulate my thoughts prior to responding in full to the document and I hope that ALL amateurs in the UK will do the same. This is REALLY important to the future of our hobby and the biggest changes in some time, right across the licence levels.
Before I start, I want to thank OFCOM for their considered approach to modernising Amateur Radio. It is a complex task, involving parties well outside the UK and outside Amateur Radio as a whole. I do not envy them the task. That said, I reserve the right to disagree with them where I feel they have not thought something through well enough. I also reserve the right to change my mind after due consideration. This is of course, a working document and the changes are due to happen over a three year period. We do however, need to respond to this NOW! The closing date for you to air your views is 4th September 2023. This will come sooner than you think!
I am going to respond to the questions asked in the document in order and also add some of my own thoughts. I would appreciate any thoughtful comments on the proposals, or even my answers.
