[Fists] NZ RSM Statement on Morse

[Ralph Sutton]

>From  New Zealand Radio Spectrum Management

Removal of Amateur Service Morse Requirement in the HF Bands

15 August 2003
The recent ITU World Radio Conference in Geneva (9 June to 4 July 2003)
reviewed Article 25 of the International Radio Regulations relating to the
Amateur Service. The Conference decided that the ability to send and receive
morse code is no longer a requirement for amateurs to use the HF bands below
30 MHz. Administrations now have a choice as to whether morse code should
continue to be a requirement for amateur operation in the HF bands.

The ITU decision aligns with New Zealand's position on this issue.
Consequently, the Ministry intends to remove morse operating competency from
the syllabus for the New Zealand General Amateur Operator's certificate. The
Ministry is also considering related matters such as the ongoing requirement
for a limited amateur operator's certificate, reciprocal licensing
arrangements, and other consequential changes to the examination syllabus.

The changes will be implemented as part of the next round of updates to the
New Zealand Radiocommunications Regulations 2001, which is expected to occur
later in 2003. Details of the final arrangements will be published on this
web site and communicated by letter to all licensed amateurs.

Until the necessary changes to the regulations are made, however, holders of
Limited Amateur Operator's certificates are not entitled to operate on bands
below 30 MHz.

Ralph Sutton ZL2AOH
12c Herbert Gardens
186 The Terrace
Wellington 6001
New Zealand

0-4-473-0847 Tel
0-4-473-0848 Fax