“Final Draft: Proposed Amendments to Amateur Radio License Rules – Suggestions from QRZ India Members”

Final Draft: Proposed Amendments to Amateur Radio License Rules

Suggestions from QRZ India Members

I. Reciprocal License

  1. Streamline application, processing, and issuance to reduce delays.
  2. Upgrade foreign reciprocal licenses from restricted-grade to general-grade.
  3. Align reciprocal license validity with visa validity.
  4. Establish a maximum one-week timeframe for license issuance.

II. License Renewal

  1. Allow renewal beyond 10 years without cancellation.
  2. Introduce a 6-month renewal window for licenses beyond 10 years.

III. Club/Repeater Applications

  1. Transition application process to online for efficiency.
  2. Simplify process for authorized license holders applying for club/repeater licenses.

IV. Frequency Spectrum

  1. Align frequency and band allocations with IARU Region-3.
  2. Correct errors in the band plan.
  3. Include SSB operation in the 6m band.
  4. Add satellite operation in the GHz range (e.g., 2.2GHz).
  5. Allow all modes of operation in the 50MHz band with 50W for restricted and 400W for general grade licenses.
  6. Add 2400.00-2400.50MHz to the earth-to-space satellite service in the 1260-1270MHz band.

V. Antenna Installation

  1. Permit antennas up to 12 meters height without SACFA approval.
  2. Issue NOC for setting up radio antennas in apartments for non-commercial use.

VI. Amateur Radio Equipment

  1. Exempt amateur radio equipment from import duty and GST for personal use.

VII. Digital Pocket ID Card

  1. Amend Saral Sanchar portal to allow radio hams to print their own digital pocket ID cards.

VIII. Special Callsign Application

  1. Remove restrictions on special callsign applications.
  2. Allow applications at least 6 months in advance with validity of 3 months.

IX. Exam Result Validity

  1. Remove limited validity period for ASOL exam results.

X. Flexibility for Unforeseen Circumstances

  1. Accommodate individuals facing financial constraints or unforeseen circumstances.

XI. Mobility

  1. Include mobility in the rules for work from anywhere.
  2. Add a note to the license permitting the holder to carry their radio equipment anywhere in the country.

XII. Nationality Certificate

  1. Accept Aadhar Card, Passport, or Birth Certificate as proof of nationality.

Additional Suggestions

  1. Allow CW and SSB on 6m, 2m, and 70cm bands.
  2. Allow VU3 (Restricted Grade) license holders to operate on all modes, similar to General Grade, but with limited power output.
  3. Enable callsign option in WPC Portal.
  4. Increase power for VU3 category to 100W minimum.
  5. Allow usage of digital modes and satellite communication.
  6. Conduct examinations online.
  7. Issue licenses in PVC cards with ID card size.
  8. Mention licensed to carry VHF handy and HF rig on the card.
  9. Allow antenna usage in apartment complexes without interference.
  10. Accept Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport copies (notarized) instead of nationality certificate.
  11. Encourage telecommunication service providers to offer one repeater per major city as part of CSR.
  12. Entrust repeater responsibility to club stations or senior hams in the region.

Allowing Amateur Radio to Integrate with Latest Technologies

Permit Amateur Radio operators to connect with various modern technologies, including:

  • Digital modes (e.g., FT8, FT4, etc.)
  • Internet link projects (e.g., EchoLink, DMR, etc.)
  • Satellite communication
  • Other emerging technologies

This will enable Amateur Radio enthusiasts to explore new avenues of communication, experimentation, and innovation, while fostering a more dynamic and inclusive hobby.

III. Club/Repeater Applications