The Ofcom 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz consultation closes at 5 pm on Monday, July 22. It proposes the loss of large chunks of amateur radio spectrum in both bands.
The British Amateur Television Club (BATC) have issued the statement below and all amateurs should give consideration to helping defend our spectrum by responding to this important Ofcom consultation.
Our vital allocations at these frequencies need to be defended. If Ofcom receives few responses to the consultation they may draw the conclusion that all amateur frequencies are “up for grabs”.
Noel G8GTZ on behalf of the BATC committee says:
It is vital that all BATC members in the UK, whether active on 2.3 GHz or not, respond and use the opportunity to show Ofcom that we value the spectrum we do have access to.
If they do not see a large response, they will be more inclined when considering the future of other bands, such as 10 GHz, to take the approach of the authorities in Sweden and Australia and just remove our access to bands without consultation.
The ATV community is particularly affected by the proposed changes, and whilst we do not have a formal BATC response, I have posted my own proposed responses on the BATC forum at:
http://www.batc.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3176
Also, Chris GW4DGU, Chair of the UK microwave group, has published his responses in the latest issue of Scatterpoint and they are available for download here:
http://www.johng4bao.webspace.virginmedia.com/Files/Ofcom%20Scatterpoint%201307.pdf
These responses can be used as guidance, but please do not just cut and paste.
You can either submit your response on-line http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/public-sector-spectrum-release/howtorespond/ or by email using the word template available at http://www.microwavers.org/files/2300MHz/PSSR-Reply-Template.doc
Please try to include info that indicates:
Are you a user these bands or other amateur microwave bands?
Are you a member of an associated specialist group? (eg UKuG , BATC, AMSAT-UK etc)
Typical use (eg narrowband, EME , ATV, data, beacon/repeater keeper etc)
Any particular concerns or other general comments
And of course, try to give specific answers to the nine questions !
Thanks to the good work by Murray Niman G6JYB and the BATC technical liaison team we do have a good relationship with our regulator in the UK and this is the opportunity for you all to show them how much we value the spectrum we have access to.
Ofcom Amateur Consultation on 2 & 3 GHz allocations
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/june2013/ofcom_amateur_consultation_on_2_and_3ghz_allocations.htm
The Register: Ofcom 2400 MHz Consultation
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/06/27/hams_strike_up_for_wifi_protection/
Joint RSGB, BATC, UKuG, AMSAT-UK submission to Ofcom 2.4 GHz Consultation
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/june2013/joint-submission-to-ofcom-2-4ghz-consultation.htm