Posted to the UDXF newsgroup by Robert Maskill, G4PYR:
Amateur Radio Full Licensees – Special Research Permits in the region of 501 kHz.
Ofcom has decided to permit a limited number of Amateur Radio Full licensees to operate under a Special Research Permit between 501 and 504 kHz for a 12 month period commencing from 1 March 2007.
This follows representations made by the Radio Society of Great Britain and negotiations with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Special Research Permits under a Notice of Variation to the Licence may be made available to holders of Full Amateur Licences on a case by case basis to applicants who can demonstrate a genuine interest in experimentation at these frequencies and provide adequate supporting documentation for assessment.
Due to the usage of the spectrum around 500 kHz, applicants should pay special attention to demonstrating technical and operational competence in terms of transmitting within the frequency and Effective Radiated Power (e.r.p.) parameters agreed with Ofcom. Previous experience at 73 kHz as well as 136 kHz will be considered desirable in this respect to ensure adequate steps are taken to limit any potential interference.
Ofcom will monitor any interference reports with a view to limiting numbers in the use of the band if necessary. In general, considerably lower e.r.p. levels than that permitted in the 136 kHz band are likely to be favourable and this will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that increased powers are necessary for research. On no account will an e.r.p. level of greater than – 10 dBW be permitted under any circumstance.
The standard application form (OfW306) for a Special Research Permit can be downloaded at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/applications/ofw306.pdf
Form OfW306 is also available on request from the Ofcom Licensing Centre at:
Ofcom Licensing Centre
Amateur Radio
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA
Tel: 020 7981 3131
