Ofcom prosecutions: Freedom of Information request

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M3PIE
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Ofcom prosecutions: Freedom of Information request

Unread post by M3PIE »

Only July 1, 2020 in response to a Freedom of Information request Ofcom released limited details of prosecutions of Amateur Radio operators

The questions and abbreviated answers were:

Q: How many times have Ofcom taken action/prosecuted Amateur Radio Operators since 2003 ?

A: Based on the data currently available to us, we can confirm that there have been two prosecutions of individuals holding a radio amateur licence issued under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (“WTA amateur licence”), one in 2010 and one in 2019.

Q: Do Ofcom Monitor Amateur Radio Operators Power Levels in accordance with there license?

A: Ofcom does not monitor the power levels of individuals holding a WTA amateur licence.

Q: Has Ofcom gave any amateurs since 2003 any "warnings" or "cautions" if so please give a number of how many have been issued ?

A: Based on the data currently available to us, we can confirm that there have been two formal warnings issued to individuals holding a WTA amateur licence for breach of the WTA, one in 2015 and one in 2020. Based on the data currently available to us, we also confirm that we have not issued any cautions to individuals holdings a WTA amateur licence.

Ofcom's full answers can be seen at
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ ... 918092.pdf

Prior to 2010 Ofcom used to openly publish annual numbers for the Prosecutions, Warnings and Cautions given to radio amateurs on their website, they then decided to erase all the numbers from the site, no explanation was given.

The figures were almost always zero except for FY 2005/6 when Ofcom issued 1 Official Caution and 3 Warning letters, see
https://web.archive.org/web/20080114023 ... /stats0506

In 2010 Ofcom did bring a prosecution against an individual in Hull, it is not clear if this is the 2010 case that Ofcom were referring to in their reply, see the Hull local newspaper article at
https://web.archive.org/web/20101128081 ... ticle.html

It is not known what the 2019 prosecution was for.

In an FoI submitted in 2017 Ofcom said they had never prosecuted any radio amateurs for Repeater Abuse, see
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ ... ng-1063811
Sangoma
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Re: Ofcom prosecutions: Freedom of Information request

Unread post by Sangoma »

Now where are those combiners to finish my 5kW amp?

I would like to know how many complaints they have received about radio amateurs, and see what percentage if of complaints to action.
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G6CSL
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Re: Ofcom prosecutions: Freedom of Information request

Unread post by G6CSL »

Amateur Radio used to be a mainly self-policing hobby. People knew the rules, and most went along with the spirit of them if not the letter.

Then they threw the muppet gates wide open.
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M0HJO
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Re: Ofcom prosecutions: Freedom of Information request

Unread post by M0HJO »

G6CSL wrote: Mon Jul 06, 2020 4:43 pm Amateur Radio used to be a mainly self-policing hobby. People knew the rules, and most went along with the spirit of them if not the letter.

Then they threw the muppet gates wide open.

and the rest is history.....................................................................
Glad to be Here.
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M0VMT
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Re: Ofcom prosecutions: Freedom of Information request

Unread post by M0VMT »

Go watch Dx Commanders take on free licenses then you'll all realise how doomed a technical/electrical/self learning hobby really is.
Last year we had that g4 on about walkie talkie tickets now the YouTube clan wants free tickets so they can waffle to more people :lol:
I'm all for more people but some seem to flogging the pony now.
M0VMT Mark
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