[WWYC] Help on issues around your hamradio organizations and how does it work in your country

[Dominic Smith]

Hi Bostjan,

> 1. a) What country are you from and what is the name of your hamradio
> organization (DARC, SARTG etc...)

England / United Kingdom - Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB)

>     b) To be a member of the country hamradio organization, can you be a
> member as a singular hamradio operator, or can only clubs be members
of the
> organization ?

Any person (even if not licensed) can be a member. Clubs can also be
members.

>     c) If you know what % of hamradio operators are members in the country
> organization? (aproximately?)

RSGB had 22791 members on 31 Dec 07.  There were 67640 callsigns issued
as on 30 Sept 08, but some people have more than one callsign. It's
about 30% though.

> 2. a) Do you guys have to pay every year for your licence, or use of the
> hamradio frequencies ?
>     b) If so, how ? (even a link or anything)
>     c) do they plan to do something on that matter ?

Since 2006, all licences are free if done online, or £20 (24 euro) if
the application is sent by post _and_ the applicant is under 75 years
old.
<http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/>
There are no plans to change this.

> 3. a) Do you have to be a member in your country hamradio organization ?
>     b) How much is the membership per year ?

No, you do not have to be a member.

Membership costs:
Under 21 years old - Free
21 - 25 years old and in full-time education - Free
Over 65 years old - £35.50 (43 euro)
Everyone else - £44 (53 euro)

> 4. a ) What does your hamradio organization offer you for that money ?

Monthly RadCom magazine, 'For Sale' advertisements in RadCom, Send cards
to the QSL Bureau, 15% discount on RSGB books, advice on planning
applications (for putting up antennas) and EMC from specialists.

All UK radio amateurs can receive cards free from the bureau. Only RSGB
members can send to the bureau.

Clubs receive the RSGB Yearbook (callbook) once a year instead of RadCom
magazine.

>     b ) Do you have to pay for other things (QSL biro, magazine, .... ) ?
>     c ) If so how much ?

No.

73,

Dominic M0BLF

PS: Hope to hear you all in CQ WW CW!