Radio hams urged to register ( 2003-08-21 09:27) (China Daily)
If you happen to be a radio ham and like to hook up with other enthusiasts
over the airwaves, you had better report to a local radio authority before
December to ensure you have all of the necessary paperwork.
Otherwise, the Beijing Municipal Radio Management Bureau can close you down
by confiscating your equipment.
Having just launched an all-out campaign to assess what sort of equipment is
in use, the bureau expects to finish its comprehensive review by 2004 to stop
ham radios interfering with civil aviation communication, Zhao Da, an official
with the bureau, said yesterday.
"Although recent interference with civil aviation radio communications at the
Beijing Capital International Airport has turned out to be harmless, it can be
fatal and should definitely be stopped," said Zhao.
The guideline paper being used in the review focuses on powerful wireless
phones, radio and television stations and pager stations.
Powerful wireless phones are not allowed in Beijing but are used by some
people in lieu of a more common mobile phone.
Another group of people posing similar dangers are radio hams, who switch out
of their designated frequency ranges.
"The latest several cases occurring at the airport in this regard have been
blamed on radio hams," said Zhao.
Statistics with the Beijing Association of Radio Transmission and Reception
indicate the Chinese capital has around 4,000 registered radio hams.
"Radio transmission and reception is an interesting hobby and is attracting
ever more people in Beijing. Although there are some defying the rules, most of
us are fine with the frequency range assigned to us," said Bai Xuehan, an
official with the association.
