Amateur radio in the UK is regulated by Ofcom through three licence levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Full.
Since February 2024 the limits are 25 watts PEP at Foundation, 100 watts at Intermediate and 1,000 watts at Full on bands where amateur radio holds a primary allocation, with individual bands subject to further restrictions set out in Schedule 1 of the licence. Exams are administered by the RSGB and can be taken online under remote invigilation.
Band allocations follow the IARU Region 1 plan, which sets the segments used for CW, digital modes and SSB by convention rather than by licence condition. Licence terms, band access and the exam syllabus are all revised periodically, so current Ofcom documentation is worth checking against older guidance.
GB3RS: The National Radio Centre The National Radio Centre (NRC) and GB3RS located in Bletchley Park are must-visit destinations for anyone interested in radio communication and its history. The NRC houses a collection of historic radio equipment, interactive exhibits, and educational resources that provide visitors with an insight into the development and evolution of radio … Read more