reprint from Strategis web Site at http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/spectrum. PROJECT TO IMPROVE AUTHORIZATION OF THE AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE Introduction: Industry Canada is currently examining ways to streamline the process of authorizing the use of the amateur radio frequency spectrum. At the present time, radio amateurs are required to hold two authorizations: an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and a radio licence for a station in the amateur radio service. Certification of amateur radio operators has evolved over several decades to reflect the changes in radio technology used by amateurs. It is not Industry Canada’s intention to make changes to amateur radio operator certification qualifications or to the overall regulatory scheme under which amateurs operate. The certification of amateur radio operators will continue to be a requirement for operation in the amateur radio frequency bands. Background: As the amateur radio service promotes experimentation it cannot, by its very nature, be subject to radio equipment standards and equipment certification. In fact, amateurs holding a certificate with Advanced Qualification are permitted to build their own equipment. For the amateur radio service, restrictions and limitations for the operation of radio apparatus are set out in the Radiocommunication Act, the Radiocommunication Regulations and in Radiocommunication Information Circular 2 (RIC-2), Standards for the Operation of Radio Stations in the Amateur Radio Service. A radio amateur’s operating privileges are reflected in the certificate which includes: Basic, Advanced and Morse Code Qualifications. The emphasis is placed on operator certification rather than equipment certification. This is very different from other radiocommunication services where a regime of equipment certification ensures that equipment meets strict performance criteria. To be eligible to hold a radio licence for a station in the amateur radio service an individual must hold an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with at least Basic Qualification. Confirming the operator qualifications of the applicant is virtually the only scrutiny required before a radio licence for a station in the amateur radio service is issued. A radio licence is required under the provisions of the Radiocommunication Act and authorizes the holder to operate radio apparatus at one fixed station, one mobile station and one other station. A radio licence is also required to obtain a call sign. The licence is renewed annually. Given that the assignment and renewal of a radio licence to a qualified applicant is virtually automatic, Industry Canada believes there is an opportunity to streamline the process bringing greater convenience to radio amateurs and reduced administrative burden for all. Alternate Authorization Regime: Our goal is to improve the management and regulation of radiocommunication by reducing unnecessary activities and implementing changes that will benefit both radio amateurs and Industry Canada. We feel that radio amateurs would benefit from an authorization approach that focusses on the qualifications of the individual amateur operator rather than on the licensing of radio apparatus he or she operates. In proposing an alternative authorization regime we would want it predicated on: issuing to an individual one authority (document) rather than both an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and a radio licence for the purpose of providing that individual with an authority to use the amateur spectrum; eliminating the administrative burden on 45,000 radio amateurs and on the Department, related to the annual licence renewal and collection of the $24 licence renewal fee; continuing with the current examination and certification program; issuing call signs in accordance with call sign policy; providing the same rights and privileges to radio amateurs as we currently do; and not diminishing or altering in any sense the enforcement of the current regulations. It is important to develop viable options which emphasize amateur radio operator certification and assignment of call signs, and the elimination of the annual radio licensing procedure for stations in the amateur radio service. Therefore, for the next few months our staff will make presentations to amateur radio groups across Canada to provide them with an opportunity to discuss and comment on an alternative to radio licensing of stations in the amateur radio service. Copies of our presentation, as well as Questions and Answers that arise as a result of our consultations, will be posted on the Internet at http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/spectrum. We are currently developing a discussion paper that will outline, to a greater extent, our initiative. We expect to publish this discussion paper by the middle of June. We hope to have a new regime in place by the end of December, 1998 and implement it by March 31, 1999. We are confident that the new regime will be beneficial to all concerned. Editors Note: Industry Canada will be discussing these changes at a forum to be held at the Central Ontario Fleamarket on June 13th. As well, your Program Chairman is working at having Industry Canada discuss these proposed deregulation's at a fall meeting. Stay tuned. Have more question??? CLICK HERE BACK TO MAIN MENU For more information email info@kwarc.org [ TOP ] © 1998 Kitchener-Waterloo Amateur Radio Club Inc. Comments and bugs reports to webmaster@kwarc.org