News - July 2006

Planned deregulation date given.
Ofcom have released a consultation document which, among other things, sets a planned date for the licence requirement of CB radio to be removed.

What does this mean for CB?
If the plans outlined in the document go ahead, all use of the bands allocated to CB radio will become licence free. This will include any other uses, such as CADS - if CADS is approved.

What date do they give?
The document says that they plan to put the changes into effect by December 2006. Note the use of the word, "plan"... this is not a promise of the date or even that deregulation will ever happen.

Let downs.
Deregulation has been considered for many years, going back to when the Radiocommunications Agency were in control.
Both the RA and Ofcom have previously suggested dates for deregulation - with all of those dates passing without change.
So, until they release a document stating it is done, it is never certain.

What else do Ofcom plan for CB?
The document states that they also plan to remove restrictions on data transmission - CB users will be able to use packet on any channel they wish. Also, possibly more interesting to some, the plans include allowing repeaters on CB.
The document also makes references to CADS, which is still undergoing trials.

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