The RAC Report

Industry Canada has released its revised proposal to streamline the authorization process for the Amateur Radio Service.

In short Industry Canada proposes:

• to make the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate the sole authorization document
• eliminate the radio licence thereby eliminating the licence issuance fee, the short term fee and the $24 annual renewal fee
• to modify the operator certificate to include the operator's assigned call sign
• to charge a fee($60)for user initiated transactions

The complete documentation can be found on the Industry Canada web site: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/sf01709e.html

Proposal To Grant 28.0 To 29.7 MHz Privileges To Basic and 5 WPM Qualifications

Industry Canada has asked for comments on a proposal to allow individuals holding an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Basic and Morse code (5 WPM) Qualifications to operate in the 28.0 MHz to 29.7 MHz (10 metre) amateur radio frequency band.

Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) submitted the proposal to Industry Canada at the Canadian Amateur Radio Advisory Board meeting held in May 1998, in response to requests from radio amateurs across Canada. Many radio amateurs believe that this would be an important step for the growth and stability of the amateur radio service. It would provide amateurs, who now meet basic international requirements, with the opportunity to operate world wide long distance (DX) communications and to increase their HF operating skills. It is also believed that this proposal would encourage operators with only Basic Qualification to learn Morse code (5 WPM) and increase the overall number of amateurs with HF knowledge and skills.

Details on the proposal and how to make comments before June 30, 1999 are posted on the Industry Canada Strategis web site at: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/sf01772e.html