GB3JB

[g3zxx]

Hi All,

We have today received the following e-mail from Mike Turner, who is one of the individuals on the GB3JB blanket mailing list.

I/We are not inclined to promote any specific political or other position which does not directly effect GB3JB, however, the content may well be of interest to all, no matter what your political persuasion.

It was certainly of interest to myself, having a son in the RFA / Merchant Navy.

Mikes' email is as follows:

"Hello All,

Could I please ask that you read the e mail below, and if you are in
agreement, add your signature to the petition reached by clicking on the
link at the bottom of the message. You may wish to p*filtered* this to others
who may support it.

The RNLI survives totally on charitable donations, and exists only to
save life. An increase in charges to use its emegency radio frequencies
seems to have no reason or logic to it. The money invovled is a large sum
to a charity, but small change to government.

For information, use of maritime frequencies is without charge to leisure
users, the Government appears to want to put the RNLI on the same charges
as commercial users.
David

The background:

RADIOS BILL MAY SCUPPER RNLI

LIFEBOAT crews fear being scuppered by crippling new charges for using
their radios from Ofcom, the communications regulator. The RNLI could see
the price of using its VHF emergency frequencies rise to £250,000 under
plans to charge the full commercial rate.

The charity, which saves hundreds of lives every year currently pays an
annual £48,000 at a discounted rate of 50 per cent. It relies on
donations and fears the move will have a disastrous impact on
fundraising. Peter Bradley, RNLI operations staff officer, said: 'It's a
lot of money when you think in terms of lifeboat days and little old
ladies collecting pound coins.'

'We could buy several inshore lifeboats for the same amount.'

'The Government rely on us to provide this search-and-rescue service, at
a cost of £124 million a year, but they want to charge us for doing it!'

Ofcom has set out plans to bring 'market forces' into maritime and civil
aviation communications in a policy it calls Administered Incentive
Pricing.

£250,000 represents an awful lot of charity collections, even more so in
the current economic climate so, if like me you feel strongly enough
about this, please sign the petition below.

"

In the interest of balance, I have added the link below, which details a statement from Ofcom on this matter.

http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page17368

I personally do not know all the ins and outs of the subject, but from what I know of the RNLI, and reading Ofcoms response, my personal view is that I dont think the RNLI should have to pay anything, unless of course they can be funded in the same manner as "a huge array of public and private sector users, including MOD, NHS, ambulance, police and taxi firms."

The RNLI is afterall a registered charity, funded entirely by public voluntary donations, that is providing a public service, which our governments apparently do not.

The RNLI web site is at: http://www.rnli.org.uk/

The following is the text of an RNLI press release, issued on the 4th November:

"4 November – RNLI comment as OFCOM AIP consultation period closes:

The RNLI has been greatly encouraged by the supportive response from the public to the situation. People have been responding direct to OFCOM, and a petition, (to protect the RNLI from paying licence fees for using Maritime radio frequencies), has been set up by a supporter on the No. 10 website. Already more than 12000 signatures have been added and its hoped that people will continue to register their support by signing up. Additionally the RNLI has been heartened by the cross-party political support it has received on the AIP issue.

Already OFCOM has outlined some proposals to the RNLI that include a reduction in the charity's licensing costs. While the charity welcomes these proposals, ideally it would still like to see a complete exemption from AIP or a 100% discount on radio licensing fees not only for the RNLI, which as a charity is funded entirely by voluntary donations and uses allocated frequencies solely for safety and SAR purposes, but for all organisations, which contribute to the safety and saving of life at sea.

However, the RNLI appreciates their offer is a significant improvement on the previous proposal. Additionally it's understood that that OFCOM will continue with a more detailed consultation process and will develop dialogue with the RNLI. Ultimately the matter is now in the hands of OFCOM and we await the outcome of their proposals that will be implemented in April 2009."

Hopefully you have no objection to my circulating you with this email and that you will act upon it, as you see fit.

Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX - GB3JB Team

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