2008 Licensing of Repeaters,
Beacons and Fixed Links

Policy Statement

Tony Case and Mark Gooding - NZART Council

The purpose of this policy document is to outline the processes that NZART will follow, to support the Licensing of Repeaters, Beacons and Fixed Links.

1. Short Term Special Purpose Repeaters (STSP's): A single license has been introduced that covers all STSP's within New Zealand. A separate policy has been written to cover STSP's. It is located on the NZART Website.
2. Amateur Television (ATV): The 614 MHz, Channel 39 allocation is moving to a Spectrum Management right.
   It is generally accepted that if New Zealand Amateurs ever give up this allocation it will be lost, and would be unlikely to be returned.
   Recommendation is that NZART pay for these licenses, but seek reimbursement from clubs or individuals to assist in the cost involved.
3. UHF National System: The UHF National System throughout New Zealand is deemed a national asset.
   As such NZART is prepared to fund the licensing fees for this asset. Physical ownership and control will remain vested in the Branch that owns the asset.
   The billing address for these assets funded by NZART will remain with NZART.
   All applications to extend the UHF National System in the first instance must be made to NZART Council for approval to fund the licensing fees. If an application made by a Branch is declined on financial grounds, the Branch concerned will be made aware of the fact. If that Branch agrees to fund the licensing of the extension then in this instance, the address for billing will be held by the Branch.
4. International Beacons: The International Beacons based in the Wairarapa, are currently all on one licence.
   Recommendation is that NZART continue to pay for this licence. That if individuals or Branches wish to assist, they should be encouraged to do so.
5. Applications for new Repeaters, Beacons and Fixed Links: With the exception of number 3 (above), all applications for new repeaters, beacons and links will be funded by the Branch applying. The billing address for licensing will remain with the Branch.
   As part of the process of applying for a new licence the branch/individual will need to pay in advance of the granting of the licence. This is to ensure that NZART has no financial burden during the licensing process. The cost involved is expected to be one years licensing fee, currently set at $50.00 less 10% for online payment.
   Recommendation is that all Branches are written to and advised of the policy outlined above for new license applications.
6. Re-licensing Licenses held by NZART on behalf of Branches: All licence bills received by NZART prior to 31 January 2008 will be paid for by NZART and the Branch concerned will be invoiced for the amount paid. Branches need to notify NZART should they wish to cancel a repeater Licence. If no notification is received, then the licence will be renewed, once only for the 2007/2008 licensing year.
   From 1 February 2008, any licence invoice received by NZART will need to be prepaid by the Branch concerned, before payment of the Licence fee by NZART.
   Branches will be notified prior to this occurring. If their repeater licenses have not been paid by the due date, the licence will not be paid by NZART, and the licence will lapse or become cancelled.
   If the Branch or individual later wishes to have the licence re-engineered, and reinstated an additional cost will be involved. It is recommended that Branches actively monitor this process to avoid cancellation or having to go through the reengineering process.
   In some cases special circumstances may exist that require some assistance by NZART in the relicensing process. If a Branch has any difficulties, it should apply immediately to NZART for special circumstances consideration. This consideration could be assistance in the payment process as an example.
   Each circumstance will be considered on its merits by NZART Council. Recommendation is that all Branches are written to advising of the policy outlined above for existing repeaters.
7. Returning Repeater Licenses held by NZART back to Branches: Repeaters, Beacons and Fixed Link licenses are held by NZART on behalf of the Branch at the request of RSM, so that they could enact "one invoice". This has not occurred.
   Billing dates can differ between licenses that are held by NZART on behalf of a Branch, if for instance multiple licenses are held. This can be confusing for branches, but is no different to owning two cars with different registration dates throughout the year.
   RSM need to be approached regarding this so that no extra expense is added for returning licenses to the Branches.
   NZART HQ will work with individual Branches to return licensing responsibility back to the Branch involved.
   Recommendation is that as soon as possible NZART HQ write to the Branches, one at a time and commence the returning of licenses to branches.
   This may take some time to complete and work through, but this recommendation will then take the onus of payment and invoicing away from NZART. The Branches will then, once again be in charge of their destiny.

Updated 4.2.08 ZL1UD