Ofcom’s Amateur Radio Phases 2 & 3: What UK Licensees Need to Know
October 2025 brought Intermediate M8/M9 callsigns, five-year callsign changes, one personal licence path, and freer Special Event Station formats — here’s the practical checklist.
What’s changed
If you hold a UK amateur licence—or you’re studying for Foundation, Intermediate or Full—October 2025 was a milestone. Ofcom confirmed that Phases 2 and 3 of its amateur radio licensing review are live. Together with Phase 1 (February 2024), they reshape how callsigns and personal licences work online.
According to Ofcom and the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB):
- Intermediate M8 / M9 callsigns — New Intermediate licensees choose M8 or M9. Existing Intermediate holders with a 2 series call can migrate via the Ofcom portal.
- Callsign changes — Propose a new personal callsign once every five years (availability checked).
- One personal licence path — Progressing to the next level revokes the lower-level personal licence.
- Revalidation — Keep details current; fail to revalidate and the licence can be revoked.
- Special Event Stations — SES formats are liberalised (GB… style via the portal).
Why listeners on Cross Reference UK should care
Even if you mostly listen, UK VHF/UHF activity still sits on licensed stations, club nets, and repeaters coordinated through the ETCC / ukrepeater.net ecosystem. Clean callsign practice keeps nets and voluntary work (including RAYNET-UK) credible.
Practical checklist
- Log into the Ofcom licensing portal and confirm contact details.
- Intermediate: decide whether to migrate 2 → M8/M9 (not automatic).
- Note your last callsign change / revalidation dates.
- Club custodians: review SES plans under the new format before a special event.
- Read Ofcom’s Phase 2/3 guide and the current licence conditions booklet from Ofcom’s amateur info page.
Educational overview only — not legal advice. Always follow your current licence document and Ofcom notices.