• CB on storm wave
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1RITAIN will have a legal Citizens Band service by the autumn. The )ersonal two-way service will be authorised on 27MHz FM (freiuency modulated), and a further frequency will be made available iround 93MHz FM.
But the frequency has angered any currently illegal CB users, s the 27MHz AM (amplitude iodulated) frequency is to re-lain illegal. Enthusiasts have een lobbying for a 27MH AM hannel and it seems unlikely at owners of AM equipment /ill abandon it in favour of the Iovernment's proposed FM freuency.
Home Secretary William Ihitelaw, announcing the deciion last week, said that users rill have to hold a licence which rill allow both types of equiplent, and will be renewable anually.
"The adoption of a frequency the 27MH FM range may ffect existing authorised users I this band, and the implication rrthem are being taken into ccount in the detailed lanning," he said.
The Home Office says that the frequency selected should give CB enthusiasts adequate transmission and reception at about the same cost as illicit equipment — but with far less interference to other users. Though the Home Office is critical of current equipment, seemingly it has little power to prevent its continued use.
Commenting on the introduction of the new service, Minister of State for the Home Office Timothy Raison said: "I hope we can rely on those with illegal equipment to act responsibly and stop using it." An estimated 300,000 sets are currently in use illegally.
Both the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Assocation indicated this week that CB could help the industry, especially to counter theft and road accidents.
For the Continental Freight Drivers' Club, Richard Weisz said that, as 27 MHz AM is used in Europe, and Britain is a member of the European Economic Community, it would make sense to use the same waveband in the UK.