UK radio amateurs gained access to new frequencies between 7.1 and 7.2MHz
from 31 October. After dark, the band between 7.1 and 7.2MHz is still full
of powerful broadcast stations, although some clear frequencies can be
found. The band became available on the second day of the CQ World Wide DX
Phone Contest. Many UK stations took advantage of the new band by making
contest QSOs with stations in the USA on their own frequency, instead of
having to work 'split' as had been the case when contacting North America on
40 metres SSB. During the daytime, numerous UK stations are now able to have
virtually interference-free inter-G contacts above 7.1MHz. The new band is
available to radio amateurs on a Secondary (non-interference) basis until
2009. After the end of March 2009, the broadcast stations should move to
other frequencies and 7.1 to 7.2MHz will then become an amateur Primary
band.

Amateurs in the Republic of Ireland were also granted access to 7.1 to
7.2MHz towards the end of October, joining those in Croatia, Norway and San
Marino who already had access to these frequencies. Radio amateurs in
Switzerland will also gain access to 7.1 to 7.2MHz from 1 January 2005.

Notices of Variation for the Foundation, Intermediate and Full licences have
been published on the Ofcom website.

(RSGB)