[UK-CONTEST] Increasing VHF contest participation by newbies

[Ray James]

Hi all,
I note the Austrian "beginners licence" has just benefited by an increase in permitted power level to 100w on 144MHz.
I believe this would also be an area of interest in the UK for 2m and above.
With 10w or 50w on HF, the world is your oyster with relative ease. 
The same limitations on 144MHz and above does not inhibit operation on weak signal modes for contesting and DX'ing but doesn't actually make it easy.
I know it can be done because I've done it myself but the current restrictions lend themselves more to the FM mode use which is typified by what has occurred since the inception of the foundation and intermediate licence. A good way to entice more interest is not to give them the full 400w capability but certainly give them a more level playing field in part of the spectrum that definitely needs their participation.

73 Ray GM4CXM
IO75TW GS