I am sure that, like me, many of the genuine users of this group, those with a real interest in
the topic, have had more than enough of the whining from some "old school" amateurs.

The question is, do they have a point? Is there really a big flooding of the band with
unqualified "amateurs" and are they speking for the majority?
Decide the answers to the questions for yourself, using the figures from an official survey:


Are young idiots taking over the band?
74% of Amateurs are over 45 years.
93% of Amateurs are male, 7% female.

Are people going for the easiest option?
84% hold full/advanced licences,
11% foundation,
5% intermediate.

Are ex-CBers going for the easy option?
30% of foundation licence holders are under 21 (although more may have got
theirs while under 21). As the CB craze ended some time back, most CBers
will be well over 21... as are most Amateurs.
70% of 21 - 44 year old Amateurs hold full/advanced licences.
88% of 45 - 64 year old Amateurs hold full/advanced licences.
It should be noted that many of those with lower licences may be new to the hobby and
working their way up.

With the relaxed exams, are people flooding onto the band?
46% have had licence over 20 years,
24% 10 - 20 years.
9% 6 - 10 years

Do Amateurs think that the licensing is too relaxed?
Too relaxed: 9%
About right: 66%
Too tight: 4%

Lifetime licence?
45% were in favour.
26% yearly.
26% increase length - mainly wanting 5 year licences.


The full report can be downloaded from the Ofcom or Mori Website...
Ofcom: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/i...ur/morireport/
MORI: http://www.mori.co.uk/

Are there any similar, official or accepted Amateur or CB surveys from other countries?


Regards,

Peter.
http://www.citizensband.radiouk.com/