News - August 2004

Latest plans.
Back in 2003, the Government had several plans for changes to the CB service and regulating department. Some of those original plans have gone ahead, while others seem to have been held back. To add to this, more changes and additional radio services have been planned.

Change of controlling body.
In December 2003, control of the radio frequency spectrum changed handed over from the Radiocommunications Agency to Ofcom. All CB related rules, laws, and enforcement are now dealt with by Ofcom.
At this time, the rules appear to remain the same. Whether there will be any change in the way enforcement is enacted remains to be seen.

Removal of old band.
The RA had plans to remove the use of the old UK only band. Since Ofcom took over new plans have been put forward which suggest this may either be re-allocated to the new CADS service or become a shared band with CB and CADS sharing use of it.

Removal of old licensing requirement.
The RA also had plans to remove the requirement for CB users to obtain a licence.
Since taking over, Ofcom have decided to keep licensing going until the new CADS trials have finished. After this, Ofcom will decide whether to end CB licensing or whether to keep it.

Community Audio Distribution System (CADS).
Ofcom have released details of a new proposed radio service called Community Audio Distribution System, or CADS for short.
This service is to allow religious and community groups to broadcast services and information to their local community, using the old UK-only CB frequencies with the same power level. Ofcom may restrict the height of antennas for this service to 10 Metres above street level.
Due to the nature of the religious broadcasts, these may last up to several hours. As there are no plans to restrict content, these transmissions could even include music such as hymns and Gospel music.
Ofcom intends to give this new service a one year trial in Leeds, Bradford, and Northern Ireland. Decisions about the future of the band and of CB licensing will NOT now be made until some time after that trial has been completed.

Further information.
Information about this change, along with the full document, can be obtained from Ofcom.