There are currently a number of schemes in use to connect amateur radio facilities via "internet"
transport mechanisms. Note that what is currently permitted under the terms of the UK licence does
not include connecting non-Amateur users/services to amateur radio.
Broadly, there are four areas of interest, and the licensing mechanisms for these are (of necessity)
very different. These areas are:-
-
Digital Nodes, Mailboxes, etc
The well-established processes in place for Nodes and Mailboxes have been appropriately
modified so that interconnections via non-Amateur networks ("internet", PSTN, etc) are
now included in the standard Notice of Variation (for a mailbox) or Authority to Operate
(for a node) documents.
If you are applying for a new system, "internet connectivity" will be included by default;
if you have an existing system and would like to have the licence amended to allow this,
please contact either the Frequency Clearance Coordinator (for Nodes only) or the Mailbox
Coordinator - as appropriate - who will be pleased to issue you with updated paperwork
upon request.
- Analog FM Voice Repeaters
Permission to connect these via non-Amateur networks is arranged via the RSGB Repeater
Management Committee. However, this can only be arranged with the express permission
of the individual Repeater Keeper, who should be your first point of contact when
considering such a link. If you don't know who that is, please visit the
ETCC's web site by
clicking here.
It must be understood that if a Repeater Keeper says "no" to such a proposal, then that is
the definitive answer. Should you find yourself in such a position you have two options:
you may either accept the situation or you may choose to construct and site your own repeater
especially to support such a link. Both ETCC and Ofcom have indicated that they are entirely
happy to support such applications in cases where the technical criteria can be met and
appropriate frequencies are available. If this is your chosen route, your first port of call
should be your local ETCC representative - see the website for details.
Simplex Voice Gateways
Permission to install and operate a "Simplex Voice Gateway" may be requested by any individual
with a full or intermediate licence.
The application process is extremely simple and speedy. After checks are made by ETCC to ensure
that the proposed operation would not cause undue interference to other users ("frequency
coordination"), your application will be sent to OFCOM via electronics means for final processing.
Please note that operation of this type of gateway must be attended by the Licensee in person and at the main station address as on your licence validation document.
Notices of Variation are only valid for 12 months and renewal must
be requested before the NoV expires. Contact
etcc.online@etcc.rsgb.org
to renew your NoV
The frequencies currently available for these links are:-
- 29.210 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.3 kHz Maximum 10 dBW ERP
- 29.290 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.3 kHz Maximum 10 dBW ERP
- 29.530 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.3 kHz Maximum 10 dBW ERP
- 29.630 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.3 kHz Maximum 10 dBW ERP
- 50.910 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.3 kHz Maximum 10 dBW ERP
- 50.920 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.3 kHz Maximum 10 dBW ERP
- 50.930 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.3 kHz Maximum 10 dBW ERP
- 50.940 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.3 kHz Maximum 10 dBW ERP
- 50.950 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.3 kHz Maximum 10 dBW ERP
- 70.3500 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.5 kHz Maximum 7 dBW ERP
- 70.3625 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.5 kHz Maximum 7 dBW ERP
- 70.3875 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.5 kHz Maximum 7 dBW ERP
- 70.4125 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.5 kHz Maximum 7 dBW ERP
Please note that unattended operation is not available on this band
145.2375 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.5 kHz Maximum
3 dBW ERP
145.2875 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.5 kHz Maximum
3 dBW ERP
145.3375 MHz - maximum deviation +/- 2.5 kHz Maximum
3 dBW ERP
NOTE THAT SPECIAL CONDITIONS MUST BE MET FOR
GATEWAYS IN THIS BAND
- 430.0125 MHz - maximum deviation
+/- 2.5 kHz Maximum 7 dBW ERP
- 430.0250 MHz - maximum deviation
+/- 2.5 kHz Maximum 7 dBW ERP
- 430.0375 MHz - maximum deviation
+/- 2.5 kHz Maximum 7 dBW ERP
- 430.0500 MHz - maximum deviation
+/- 2.5 kHz Maximum 7 dBW ERP
- 430.0625 MHz - maximum deviation
+/- 2.5 kHz Maximum 7 dBW ERP
- 430.0750 MHz - maximum deviation
+/- 2.5 kHz Maximum 7 dBW ERP
Please note that unattended operation is not available on this
band
431.0750 MHz - Not available within 100 km of Charing Cross
Maximum 7 dBW ERP
431.1250 MHz - Not available within 100 km of Charing Cross
Maximum 7 dBW ERP
431.1500 MHz - Not available within 100 km of Charing Cross
Maximum 7 dBW ERP
431.1750 MHz - Not available within 100 km of Charing Cross
Maximum 7 dBW ERP
Please note that unattended operation is not available on this
band
434.0000 MHz - Maximum 7 dBW ERP
434.0250 MHz - Maximum 7 dBW ERP
434.0500 MHz - Maximum 7 dBW ERP
434.4750 MHz - Maximum 7 dBW ERP
434.5000 MHz - Maximum 7 dBW ERP
434.5250 MHz - Maximum 7 dBW ERP
Please note that unattended operation is not available on this
band
All Ports will now use CTCSS as standard, tone will be
assigned to you by ETCC
- Digital Voice Internet Hotspots
Permission to install and operate a "Digital Simplex Voice Gateway" may be requested by any individual
with a full or intermediate licence.
The application process is extremely simple and speedy. After checks are made by ETCC to ensure
that the proposed operation would not cause undue interference to other users ("frequency
coordination"), your application will be sent to OFCOM via electronics means for final processing.
- 144.8250 MHz - Maximum 3 dBW ERP
- 144.8375 MHz - Maximum 3 dBW ERP
- 144.8625 MHz - Maximum 3 dBW ERP
IMPORTANT
As of 26-February-2001, applications are no longer accepted via EMail. Please use
the online service (see menu on the left of this page). Postal applications are
not acceptable.
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