In some way or other, I have been involved in amateur radio since 1961. Many changes have occurred since then.
When I started, the only real way to talk across the world was if you were a radio amateur. This was the case until the internet came along and anybody could talk across the world with video for free. Since then, amateur radio has evolved. Yes, some still come on the air just to chat, but this number is getting smaller each year as those that remember amateur radio long ago, get older and frailer. Instead, many come on to work new DX, often with modes like FT8. Others come on to experiment or try new things like satellites, ATV or moonbounce.
In my (heretical) view this is how the future looks. It may very well be wrong!
- In 20 years, the Amateur Radio Service will cease.
- Amateur radio will merge with licence free services like CB and ISM.
- Callsigns will be optional and handled by national radio societies for those that want them.
- The Chinese will dominate amateur radio manufacture.
- Everyone will be able to operate licence free as long as interference is not caused and they operate in bands allocated only.
- There will be far fewer magazines.
- There will be far fewer dedicated amateur transceivers.
One thing is certain: most of this will be when I am pushing up daisies!
I would like to hear your views.
Sadly we are no longer of any importance anymore. Once upon a time a City & Guilds Ham certificate would be recognised by some employers in the electronics industry and get you a job. Now it just sits on the wall or stuck in a drawer. At least we still get some enjoyment from the hobby. 73's Steve
ReplyDeleteI see the band allocations gradually dwindling over time as it gets sold off to Mobile Telecoms providers.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have a Ham Radio callsign, I haven't been active on the air for a while due to excessive QRM at home. Still enjoy collecting and repairing vintage radio's so I can still enjoy radio as a hobby to some degree.