News - July 2005

CADS Trial extended.
Some time back, Ofcom set out plans to allow the sharing of the old CB frequencies with a new service called CADS. In 2004, Ofcom started a limited 1 year trial of the new CADS service in some cities.
Although the trial was due to end in August 2005, Ofcom have decided to extend the trial for another year.

What does this mean for CB and CADS?
As all other plans were dependent upon the outcome of the trials, no decisions will be taken for at least another year.
So...
  Licensing of CB will continue for at least another year.
  The old "27/81" band will continue as CB for at least another year.
  Apart from the few trial cities, the old band will be CB only for at least another year.

Why?
From what I have seen, there is no indication of why the trial is being extended. It is possible that they just don't believe they have tested it long enough to see just how it will impact upon other services and neighbourhoods.
However, it is also possible that recent events have made the government think about the service a bit longer and harder. It is possible that they are considering the impact such a service may have upon some other ideas presently being considered regarding national security.

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