Darkstar wrote:Interesting changes but probably won't matter as 'new amazing IP radio' means nobody will have to bother getting a license.
Southwales wrote:Have just downloaded the Zello app and it works great, bonus is not needing a licence so can start talking straight away.
I rest my case.
Remember the 70's & 80's? Remember that CB was no licence needed before it became legal & then only a £10 licence. Remember Echo Charlie? No licence, or Morse test needed there either.
Now look at Amateur radio licences during that period, they actually peaked as CB, in particular, drew in a large number of people.
Foundation licences have been dipping over recent years, yet groups like Hackspace have been growing.
Amateur radio has been dumming down, into an all that is needed is a VHF/UHF digital black box or a cheap & nasty dual band handheld & a repeater type hobby & loosing potential members as a result.
Yes this new course will frighten some & put them off. BUT it is also an opportunity to attract people who are interested in more. Able to do more? Than just sit on a repeater for hours at a time.
Network Radios is a great addition to the hobby & unlike Death Star for example, it does not involve the need to spend hundreds of pounds on equipment from a specific & greedy manafacturer. As a mobile phone is all that is needed as a minimum & with that you can do APRS too, plus other bits. So it has more of the spirit of amateur radio about it.