Aligning Spectrum Licence Terms in the 3.4-3.8 GHz Band

Ofcom is proposing to align the terms of licences in the 3.4-3.6 GHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz bands, to reduce potential barriers to spectrum trading between mobile network operators

Spectrum in the 3.4-3.8 GHz band is being used by the four UK mobile operators to deliver 5G services.

When this spectrum was awarded to operators through auctions in 2018 and 2021, some of it was already licensed to UK Broadband Limited.

Currently, UK Broadband’s spectrum licences in this band are subject to different terms than the other licences in the same band.

We consider that aligning licence terms and removing the disparity between UK Broadband’s licences and the auctioned licences could lead to more efficient use of spectrum.

The consultation closes on 5 July 2022, and we plan to publish our decision in September 2022 - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-2/aligning-licence-terms-in-the-3.4-3.8-ghz-band

40 MHz - Belgium Regulator Considering New Band

The communications regulator UBA is investigating the possibility of an amateur radio band at 40 MHz

Several radio amateurs report that transmission are observed at 40.680 MHz from Belgian stations using FT8.

BIPT states that broadcasts on 40 MHz are currently not permitted in Belgium. For the avoidance of doubt, the license exemptions granted in this frequency range for small models and non-specific short-range equipment should not be misused for amateur radio transmissions.

BIPT is currently investigating the possibility of releasing a small frequency segment for radio amateurs around 40 MHz.

Unauthorized activities of radio amateurs at 40 MHz are likely to adversely affect this research.

UBA - https://tinyurl.com/IARU-Belgium

New Zealand 60m Sub License Continued by Regulator

The latest news bulletin from the New Zealand Amateur Radio Transmitters Society (NZART) reports that their regulator, RSM, has continued their 60 m Sub – Licence (5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz).

As announced in the last InfoLine NZART has obtained from RSM, a new 60m licence with the same terms and conditions as the previous licence which expires on 4 May 2022. This allows time for RSM to promulgate a new GURL.

If you have an existing 60m sub-licence then it will continue to apply under the new licence and you can continue operate on 60m as you did before. No need to reapply. If you are a new user to 60 m then you must first apply for a sub-licence by completing the application found on the NZART website -https://www.nzart.org.nz/info/60m