[UK-CONTEST] CQWW 160 SSB

[Andrew]

On 25/02/11 20:47, Steve Knowles wrote:
> Bit disappointed to come across a well-known Yorkshire contest group calling CQ Contest on SSB on 1815kHz with total disregard for the band-plan.  (Less surprising, perhaps, to note a related cluster comment involving the term 'scum-bag'.)  Not alone down there, of course, but that's not the point!  What a shame!

Deja vu.... I think I've heard this one before about people operating 
outside the _preferred_ mode segments during a major contest....

Exactly which clause in the UK licence terms and conditions were this 
group not complying with?  Contrary to popular belief, bandplans are 
_NOT_ a part of the licensing conditions and have no legal standing 
(unlike here in the US for bands above 160m).  When I look at the terms 
of my UK licence, it is perfectly legal for anyone in the UK to operate 
SSB on 1815kHz.  Does your licence say something different?

When a band is packed during a major contest, perfectly legal things 
like this _will_ happen.  Some might even consider it good practice to 
operate in a less crowded part of the band!

Vy 73,

Andrew AC6WI / GI0NWG

PS. I'll be one of the W3LPL 160m ops in the ARRL DX SSB contest next 
weekend.  I'll happily work any UK station on 1815kHz LSB because I know 
they are allowed to operate there!