2003 Council Statement-on 10.1 and 50 MHz

The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters Incorporated

Council considers the provisions made for bands for New Zealand radio amateurs to be generally satisfactory for present needs when the following objectives are met.

Objective 1: 10.10 MHz Band

This band is narrow with amateurs secondary to the fixed service. To get most use from this band, narrow-band modes only, are recommended. This does not meet the full needs of the Amateur Service in this part of the spectrum, there is a need for SSB operation. A non-interference operation sharing arrangement for amateurs in the band10.15 to 10.2 MHz would alleviate the problem. In effect it would be an extension of the secondary arrangement by 50 kHz to 10.10 MHz.

Objective 2: 50 MHz Band

International amateur radio operation concentrates in the segment 50 to 51 MHz (which has been denied to New Zealand amateurs since the advent of TV in 1959) and full return of this band to New Zealand amateurs is necessary. Meantime an improved non-interference sharing arrangement is possible until TV moves elsewhere, i.e. operation of 50 to 51 MHz permitted outside TV programme hours for amateurs in TV channel 1 areas, with no time restriction in other areas.

Accordingly, Council instructs the Frequency Management and Technical Advisory Group to continue to work to achieve these objectives. It requests Branches and Members to do all they can to help the FMTAG in its work.

Replaces statement of 1981 Break-In page 2, July issue