RSGB Questions UK Regulator Ofcom Regarding New Interference Control Regulations

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Committee of the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) still has wide-ranging questions for UK telecommunications regulator Ofcom concerning new Wireless Telegraphy Act Section 54 regulations that address radio-frequency interference (RFI) from in-service equipment. RSGB said that while its latest response “largely reiterates” points it’s already made, it “still believes that a number of issues need resolution.” For starters, RSGB has asked the regulator to better define what the new regulations mean by “apparatus.”

Among other questions, RSGB wants to know “what is needed to get Ofcom to enforce against serious interference to Amateur Radio.” The Society pointed out that Ofcom has acknowledged its enforcement powers with respect to undue interference, but the agency has said that compliance regulations must be in place in Section 54.

RSGB allowed that there may be some cases where victims of interference may take “reasonable steps” to alleviate the problem; this may not always be possible when a radio amateur is the victim, and it asked Ofcom to clarify what is reasonable. “The re-siting of wire antennas in small gardens may be quite unrealistic, as may be the advice not to use a particular beam heading,” the RSGB said. “We should also like Ofcom to confirm that there is no obligation on amateurs to supply or pay for filtering or replacement of offending apparatus.”

RSGB also said it wants answers regarding in-service equipment excluded from the new regulations. For example, RSGB noted, cables used for such applications as DSL and power line telecommunications are not included, as they do not generate electromagnetic emissions. “However, when coupled to other apparatus and charged with signals at radio frequencies, unbalanced cables will generate emissions fortuitously,” RSGB said. “One of our members has posed the question that, if the cables increase the levels of emissions emanating from modems, then they must be at fault, so why have they been excluded? Emissions from VDSL at HF and at higher frequencies are becoming a major interference concern.”

RSGB also asked if Ofcom will use the new regulations to act against solar photovoltaic installations as being “improperly installed,” even when some of the apparatus is CE marked [i.e., European Union certified — Ed.] but the installation is causing severe or harmful interference nonetheless. “Even where [solar installations] are treated as collections of discrete ‘apparatus’ under [the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive], Ofcom has simply walked away from cases saying they can do nothing as the ‘apparatus’ is CE marked,” The Society said.

For its part, Ofcom has said it does not have a duty to enforce and cannot guarantee that interference will not occur. “When deciding whether to investigate or to take enforcement action, we are required to act reasonably and responsibly and maximize the use of resources and do so in a proportionate, accountable, transparent, and consistent way. We treat each case on its merits.”

Source:ARRL

Equipment

RigExpert TI-3000 transceiver interface

February 20, 2020 in: Equipment No comments

RigExpert TI-3000 is a new and powerful USB transceiver interface based on high-quality stereo codec IC, for operating phone, CW and digital modes using a personal computer. All in one through a single USB port. Ideal interface for FT8 and... Read more

Six Way Switch Box -bhi 1024

February 13, 2020 No comments
Hambuilder V3.0 HBR4HF 4 Band HF Transceiver

February 13, 2020 No comments
SW-3B QRP CW transceiver

February 12, 2020 No comments
Astron Has A New Power Supply, SS-50M-AP First Look

February 10, 2020 No comments
Transceiver RFI Kit – 5 Noise Reduction Filters

February 08, 2020 No comments
Elad FDM-S3 SDR

February 07, 2020 No comments
Omega 900 – 10 band (160-10m include 5MHz) QRP transceiver

February 07, 2020 No comments
SSB-Electronic GmbH 9300

February 01, 2020 No comments
RFinder B1 HT Radio, Android DMR and FM

February 01, 2020 No comments
ICOM IC-PW2 HF/50MHz All Band 1kW Linear Amplifier

January 28, 2020 No comments

Antenna

Low Cost HF Portable Antennas

February 21, 2020 in: Antenna No comments

“HF Mobile whips can make great portable antennas. Maybe you already have some. A couple of single band models may cover your needs. Here we look at how to use them and the way to connect them up.” Read more