ARCEP launches a public consultation on the use of frequencies by amateur radio service stations and by the amateur satellite service.

Paris, 15 December 2011

ARCEP is launching a public consultation whose purpose is to gather feedback from stakeholders on planned changes to the regulatory framework governing the terms of use for frequencies by amateur radio service stations and by the amateur satellite service.

The draft decision being submitted for consultation aims to lift certain restrictions attached to the use of the 50.2-51.2 MHz frequency band by radio installations belonging to the amateur service, and to permit the entire 50-52 MHz band to be used by amateur radio operators, in Region 1 (i.e. Metropolitan France, Reunion and Mayotte), in a secondary fashion. These changes would bring into effect the provisions contained in the Order of 23 June 2011, which introduces changes to the national frequency allocation table.

Another aim of the draft decision is to allow amateur radio operators to employ digital communication systems, at a time when digital transmission technologies are evolving the world over, while also ensuring that the technical terms of France's regulatory framework comply with the international framework defined by ITU Radio regulations.

Lastly, the wording of the draft decision is intended to more closely reflect the provisions set out in the Radio regulations concerning the use of frequencies by amateur radio service stations and by the amateur satellite service.

To obtain a clearer regulatory framework, the draft decision that takes account of all of these changes is intended to replace existing provisions.

Responses must be received by ARCEP by Friday, 20 January 2012 at the latest.