News - November 2006

Deregulation to go ahead.
After years of plans, deadlines and broken promises, going back to the days of the Radiocommunications Agency, Ofcom have finally given the go-ahead for CB deregulation.

What does this mean for CB?
CB will finally be licence free.
There will still be rules, most of which will be as before, but you will not need to pay a fee to use CB. Also, there will not be official callsigns for CB use.

When will this happen.
The new legislation, which adds CB to the list of licence-exempt radio services, will come into force 8 December 2006.

So, do I need a licence now?
Up until that date, a licence is still required. If your licence runs out, or you start using a CB, before December 8th, you do need to get a licence.
As the licence is only needed until that date, and it is unlikely that your licence would arrive before then, it may seem crazy paying for a whole year - but that is the legal situation. The simple answer, to stay within the law without paying the fee, is not to use a CB until that date - unless you have a licence covering the use.
It should be noted that young people and the elderly are presently exempt from paying the licence fee, although they may still have to obtain a licence until that date.

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