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4m band released in Switzerland as of 01.01.23
· HF, VHF/UHF/SHF · admin

As the Swiss Amateur Radio Association USKA reports, it was possible to obtain clearance for the 4m band after lengthy negotiations with the national telecommunications authority BAKOM. The authorisation is valid from 1 January 2023.


The following applies:

  • Only radio amateurs with HB9 licences are permitted to use the band.
  • Frequency range: 70.0000 to 70.0375 MHz and 70.1125 to 70.5000 MHz. In the range from 70.0375 to 70.1125 MHz any transmission is prohibited.
  • The maximum power is 25 watts ERP.
  • All common modulation types are permitted. Use in accordance with the IARU band plan is encouraged.
  • The band is to be used for direct links. Unmanned stations such as relays and Echolink gateways are not allowed.
  • Remotely controlled stations require notification to BAKOM.
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Richard Brunton, G4TUT — SK
· HF · admin

Our British Amateur Member Society RSGB has announced, that Richard Brunton, G4TUT, has passed away. Richard was well known for countless years as editor of the popular website Southgate Amateur Radio News. Every day he scoured the world’s amateur radio and technology resources for interesting stories and published them. We as the IARU Region 1 HF Committee, also benefited from Richard’s work. It is all the more painful to have lost a wonderful and dedicated communicator in Richard. Our thoughts are with Richard’s family and friends.

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DARPA: Satellites to monitor Ionosphere
· HF, News · admin

The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA, USA) has issued the first call for proposals for its Ouija programme, which aims to use sensors on “near-Earth satellites” (VLEOs) to gain new insights into the propagation of HF (shortwave) radio waves in the ionosphere. Due to the high density of charged particles, signal propagation in the ionosphere is difficult to predict. Continuous monitoring of the ionosphere in-situ (i.e. “right on the spot”) would for the first time allow near real-time predictions. The HF Committee of IARU Region 1 will continue to follow the topic closely and report on it. 

(Image credit: NASA / Public Domain)

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Belgium: Military frequency use in the 6‑metre band
· News · admin

The Belgian telecommunication authority BIPT informs that a military exercise will take place in Elzenborn near the German-Belgian border until 18 June 2022, during which two frequencies in the 6‑metre band will be used: 50.200 MHz and 51.075 MHz. Radio amateurs are therefore asked to keep these frequencies clear or observe them during this time before transmitting there. The amateur radio service has a secondary status in this band, while military radio has a primary status.

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SPDX Contest 2022 cancelled
· Events, HF, News · admin

After careful deliberation, the SP DX Contest Committee, together with Polish Amateur Radio Union (PZK) and the SP DX Club, has decided to cancel the 2022 SP DX Contest. 

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Poland has so far taken in more than 2 million refugees. Polish radio amateurs offer Ukrainian refugees accommodation in their homes and their help and services in any way they can. 

Under these exceptional circumstances, the organisers have decided that this year’s SP DX Contest will be cancelled.

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