XPost: rec.radio.amateur.policy, uk.radio.amateur   
   From: jstucklex@attglobal.net   
      
   On 8/6/2016 9:38 AM, Ian Jackson wrote:   
   > In message , Brian Reay  writes   
   >> On 06/08/16 13:06, Ian Jackson wrote:   
   >>> In message <001a114f3c6221bb17053965c405@google.com>, Southgate Amateur   
   >>> Radio News RSS Feed  writes   
   >>>   
   >>>   
   >>>>   
   >>>> The RSGB website reports Ofcom have been re-issuing old amateur radio   
   >>>> call  signs   
   >>>   
   >>> It looks like the end of amateur radio as we know it.   
   >>>   
   >>   
   >> I don't see why.   
   >>   
   >> It has happened in the UK and elsewhere for years. Just because you   
   >> don't approve of it doesn't mean it will 'end amateur radio as we know   
   >> it'.   
   >   
   > We have discussed this before. Some (I for one) consider callsigns as   
   > something treasured and personal. Others see them simply as a sort of   
   > serial number, and as of little relevance as (say) the serial number on   
   > your TV or driving licence - so their attitude is essentially "So what?   
   > A callsign's a callsign".   
   >>   
   >> Many people won't wish to change call signs they have held for years.   
   >> Some will wish to get an 'old' call sign, for whatever reason, if it   
   >> is to gain so 'kudos' by seeming to be more 'established' than their   
   >> really are, then chances are it will be pretty obvious to those who   
   >> they come into contact with and it will backfire. I know a couple of   
   >> cases of this, it was very, very, obvious. Both had gone to some   
   >> lengths to acquire the old call signs (it was some years back). I   
   >> believe at least one is no longer active, having met so much ridicule   
   >> due to his incompetence etc. (Despite having passed the Morse test!)   
   >   
   > But in this case, it looks like OFCOM have simply started re-using any   
   > available callsign that has lapsed or is otherwise no longer current -   
   > apparently without any consultation with the RSGB (who I hope would have   
   > vigorously opposed it).   
   >>   
   >   
      
   Ian, the FCC has been reissuing call signs in the U.S. for over 30   
   years.  It hasn't destroyed the hobby here.   
      
   I know hams in the U.K. consider a call sign to be their personal   
   identification, but there are definite advantages.  I know several hams   
   with their call signs being their initials, for instance.  Talk about   
   personal...   
      
   --   
   ==================   
   Remove the "x" from my email address   
   Jerry, AI0K   
   jstucklex@attglobal.net   
   ==================   
      
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