The following announcement was provided by sources in the UK ...
Following last week's announcement on the new licensing structure, further discussions between the RSGB and the RA have resulted in agreement to the introduction of a bridging process that will allow Class B licence holders access to the HF bands without having to take a five words per minute Morse test. (emphasis added)
From the 1st of January 2002 those Class B licensees who have held a Class B licence for not less than 12 months, and wish to gain access to the HF bands, may obtain a Foundation Licence by simply taking the Foundation Licence Morse Assessment. This will enable them to operate on the HF bands as Foundation licensees. They will have to apply for a Foundation licence and use their M2 callsign when operating on the HF bands. They will, of course, continue to enjoy the privileges of their existing Class B licence whilst operating above 30MHz.
Martin Caine of the RA said, "This shows the value that the RA places on our relationship with the RSGB. The Agency, following recommendations from the RSGB, is very pleased to be able to fast-track Class Bs into the Foundation Licence structure."
Following this exciting development, the RSGB will be announcing shortly a special 'Morse Campaign' for Class Bs who wish to take this long-awaited opportunity to operate on HF.
Widespread Reaction to Amateur Radio Licensing Changes
The joint announcement made by the RSGB and the Radiocommunications Agency outlining changes to amateur radio licensing has created a great deal of interest in the amateur radio community. The announcement was made at the Leicester Show on the 21st of September and simultaneously on the RSGB and RA web sites. Details also appeared in the October issue of RadCom, which was posted to all RSGB members on the 20th of September.
Well over 1000 visitors to the Leicester Show took away leaflets explaining the licensing changes. Since the announcement the RSGB has answered numerous queries by telephone and e-mail about the new arrangements. The changes introduced include an immediate reduction from 12 to 5 words per minute in the Morse code test speed for a Full Class 'A' HF licence; the renaming of the Novice licence to 'Intermediate' licence, with increased operating privileges; and the introduction of a Foundation licence with effect from January next year.
With effect from the 1st of October, Class 'A' Intermediate licensees will be allowed access to all bands, while Class 'B' Intermediate licensees will have access to all bands above 50MHz. The maximum permitted power level has been increased to 50 watts.
Holders of the Foundation licence will have access to all bands up to 70-centimetres, with the exception of 10 metres, at a maximum power level of 10 watts. It will be possible to study for the Foundation licence by taking a 10-hour course over a weekend. As has just been announced, special arrangements will be made to allow Class B amateurs access to the HF bands by simply taking the Foundation Licence Morse Assessment.
Further details about all these changes and a series of 'Frequently Asked Questions' can be found on the RSGB web site at www.rsgb.org