ARLA/CLUSTER: Radioamadorismo está em declínio na Austrália

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

Ham radio declining in Australia

Phil Wait VK2ASD reports on WIA News that statistics point to a slow
but steady decline in Australian amateur radio licence numbers

Amateur Radio has always needed newcomers so it can to grow.

Marc Hillman VK3OHM has analysed how licences numbers have been
tracking over the period 2005 to 2016, and has identified a slow
decline in overall numbers for the past five years.

In 2016 there were 14,619 licenses held, that is down about 100
licences or 0.7 per cent from the 2015 year.

Foundation Licence and Standard licences both bucked the trend.

Foundation licences increased by 18 to 2476, (there has always been a
high churn-rate in foundation licenses).

The middle grade, the Standard licence, had a very slight growth,
largely helped up by people upgrading from the Foundation Licence.

The overall decline in licence numbers is due to a decline in Advanced
licenses in every year between 2005 - 2016. The 'silent key factor'
obviously plays a part here - there have been about 80 silent keys per
year in recent times.

The data also shows that 485 people joined the hobby last year, by all
means - assessments, previously holding a licence, reciprocal
licencing, and recognition of prior learning - again a decline
compared to previous years.

This general decline in licence numbers is why the WIA is advocating
to modernise and improve Amateur Radio through its suggested changes
to the Licence Condition Determination, making it more attractive to
existing, lapsed and future radio amateurs.

For example, the original aim of the Foundation Licence was as a
stepping stone or entry point, giving people a real taste of Amateur
Radio and the fun it provides.

There must be a relativity between the three grades of licence -
Foundation, Standard and Advanced - to encourage upgrading, but the
Foundation Licence has not kept up with technology. In particular the
practice and nature of Amateur Radio now includes a host of digital
modes, allowing voice, text and images.

The WIA is using these statistics as part of its advocacy to ensure
Amateur Radio's place in modern Australian society.

ON ANOTHER ISSUE:-

The WIA wants to encourage members, and radio amateurs generally, to
have their say about important matters affecting them, and the amateur
service.

For many years a formal process has been available on the Wireless
Institute of Australia website to encourage comment and consultation
on major issues affecting the Institute, or the hobby generally.

Since 2006, a web form on the "Contact the WIA" page has sent any
comments and suggestions to the WIA National Office, WIA President or
WIA Webmaster. This online form has been regularly used by WIA members
and non-members alike.

Now, the WIA has introduced a new facility for more specific purposes,
when consultation is to be sought on an issue. This is called the
"Have Your Say" facility, and it will be "open" during the
consultation period on specific issues.

For example, the WIA has both the draft Volunteer Charter, and the
revision of the HF Band Plans out now for consultation until February
28.

Those topics are discussed on the WIA website, together with a link to
the "Have Your Say" feedback page. The WIA is looking for your
feedback on these issues.

Source WIA News
http://www.wia.org.au/members/broadcast/wianews/

Australian amateur radio licence numbers 2005-2016
http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2016/20160515-1/documents/WIA%20-%20OPEN%20FORUM%20Reports%202015-16%20-%20Final%204.pdf