[UK-CONTEST] Individual Short Contest Callsigns

[Chris G3SJJ]

I agree with Ian's thoughts and I think the wrong approach is being 
taken by Ofcom.

Ed commented that there are ONLY 520 calls available.

My view is that there ARE 520 calls and ONLY 133 have been issued during 
the 15 years the calls have been available.

So, there are still 387 to be issued. We should be trying to get to a 
stage when all or most of the calls have been issued, not trying to 
stash them away like a Pencil monitor at school.

It is logical that some of the 133 will have fallen into misuse over 
that time, so first of all why not contact the holder to see if it is 
still required?

Then apply a reviewable limit of say 200 to be issued as per current 
rules, (ie another 7 years worth approximately), leaving 320 to be 
issued to individuals. Do we really think there are 320 contesters in 
the UK who really want a unique contest callsign? It would be nice to 
think the were, but in reality I suspect not. I would suggest that when 
around 400 - 450 have been issued then a review of usage should take place.

For those who aren't aware, I was involved with the introduction of SCCs 
as HF Contests Committee Chair in the early 1990s. Negotiation in those 
days was long and frustrating as we weren't allowed access to the DTI. 
RSGB HFCC had to talk to RSGB Licencing Advisory Committee who then to 
talked DTI and reported back to us. Six to 8 weeks to get a simple 
answer to a simple question was the norm! It certainly is a more 
efficient process nowadays!

I also hold G8D which was used as GU8D 1998 to 2005, also GU6D in 1996 
and GU7D in 1997, in the IOTA contest. G8D is occasionally used, but 
less at the moment. As far as I am concerned it is available to any of 
the group of 8 or 9 of us and would wish it to continue that way. A 
couple of times we have started planning a trip to the Minkies but it 
hasn't happened yet!

Chris G3SJJ











g3wvg at btinternet.com wrote:
> Hi Olof.
>
> First of all, thanks for your considered response.
>
> Your first point is well made, although I'm sure some (Non-England) UK
> stations may take issue with your analysis!
>
> As I recall the original intention of SCCs was to enable keen UK contest
> groups to use a distinctive callsign that would put them on a par with their
> international competitors. Sometimes these groups operate as a multi-op but
> often they use the facilities of a group member or help others to put in a
> single-op entry. I see nothing wrong with this.
>
> I don't really see the need to extend the SCC system to a wider range of
> contests. I think they serve their purpose well.
>
> Our contest group has been affiliated to the RSGB for over 20 years and we
> are all highly active and passionate supporters of contesting. I don't
> regard it as "messing OFCOM around" to correct the anomalies in their
> abruptly imposed RSGB/OFCOM rules.  As the rules stand at present, our group
> will lose its long standing SCC simply because in the past we chose to use
> it around the UK to make tens of thousands of QSOs in CQWW CW.
>
> 73 Ian G3WVG .. 
>
> Co-Founder "Three As Contest Group G0AAA"  
>
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