List of Amateur Radio Callsigns

The request was partially successful.

Dear Office of Communications,

1. I notice that OFCOM has recently changed the way it accesses its database of amateur radio callsigns. Please send me the requirements, specification and design documentation for the new system.

2. Does OFCOM have a list of amateur radio callsigns and their status eg reserved, allocated, available, forbidden etc)? Note this might be on a sheet of paper, in a spreadsheet, in an SQL database, in a non-SQL database, in the computer code of an algorithm, etc.

3. If so, which database system does OFCOM use to manage the allocation of amateur radio callsigns? eg MS Excel, MS SQL Server, MySQL etc.

4. Please send me a list of all amateur radio callsigns and their status (eg reserved, allocated, available, forbidden etc).

If OFCOM withholds any of the above information please be sure to confirm or deny whether the information is held as required by the FoI Act 2000.

I notice that the Information Commissioner has published guidance about generating reports from electronic databases that you might find useful when considering my request...

https://ico.org.uk/media/for-organisatio...

In particular I bring the following to OFCOM's attention:

"Extracting information from electronic databases

By their very nature, electronic databases are designed to make use of the
information recorded in them. Individual items of information are stored in
fields. Tables are made up of a number of fields. It is possible to extract
information from a database by sorting or filtering the data sources, running
a report, or by using a database query tool.

In compiling information from records that need to be examined manually,
the complexity of the calculation is a factor to take into account when
considering whether information is held. The complexity of the query made of
an electronic database is not a factor to take into account in deciding
whether or not information is held. All information held in electronic
databases is held for the purposes of the FOIA. Any query that can be made
of a database amounts to retrieval and extraction of information and not the
creation of new information."

I look forward to your prompt response to my request.

Yours faithfully,

Amelia Wilson

Dear Office of Communications,

Further to my request earlier today. I notice that you have refused to name specific database software in other requests.

When responding to my question 3, if you decide not to release the name of the software then please at least release the type of storage system you use. eg spreadsheet, RDBMS, paper list, computer code, etc.

Yours faithfully,

Amelia Wilson

Julia Snape, Office of Communications

Reference: 00437560
05/07/2017 18:12
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA

 
Julia Snape
Secretariat

Freedom of Information request

Dear Amelia Wilson,

Thank you for your request for information about call signs status and systems.
Your request was received on 03/07/2017.

Where we hold the information you have requested we will endeavour to answer
your request in full and within 20 Working Days.

If we are unable to provide the information requested, we will explain why the
information has not been provided.

If you have any queries then please
contact [1][Ofcom request email].
Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future
communications.

Yours sincerely,
Julia Snape
 
[2][IMG]

[3][IMG]

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Our mailing address is:
[5][Ofcom request email]

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References

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5. mailto:[Ofcom request email]

Julia Snape, Office of Communications

1 Attachment

Dear Ms Wilson

 

Thank you for your request for information dated 3 July about amateur
radio callsigns. This has been considered under the Freedom of Information
Act 2000.

 

Please find below our response to each of your questions.

 

 1. I notice that OFCOM has recently changed the way it accesses its
database of amateur radio callsigns. Please send me the requirements,
specification and design documentation for the new system.

 

Ofcom uses Salesforce as its licencing database.

 

 2. Does OFCOM have a list of amateur radio callsigns and their status eg
reserved, allocated, available, forbidden etc)? Note this might be on
a sheet of paper, in a spreadsheet, in an SQL database, in a non-SQL
database, in the computer code of an algorithm, etc.

 

Yes we do – see 4 below.

 

 3. If so, which database system does OFCOM use to manage the allocation
of amateur radio callsigns? eg MS Excel, MS SQL Server, MySQL etc.

 

Ofcom are using Salesforce. We no longer hold a list of call signs that
are available. Due to the system change, the assignment of call signs is
now done using an algorithm rather than “grabbing” from a list. This
algorithm ensures that the call sign is in the correct format. That means
that it matches the type of licence and enables us to comply with our
obligations under Article 19 and Appendix 42 of the Radio Regulations. Our
system also checks the proposed call sign's availability for use.
Availability depends on whether or not the call sign has been used in the
recent past and whether or not it is in a format that we think may cause
distress (in which case the call sign is not assigned).

Our licensing system will allow us to check an individual call sign's
availability. However, it is quicker for applicants who apply for an
amateur radio licence online. They may choose a call sign. If it is
available, then the system will assign it. If not, it will notify the
applicant. The system will keep allowing the customer to keep trying until
the system finds one that is not assigned.

 

 4. Please send me a list of all amateur radio callsigns and their status
(eg reserved, allocated, available, forbidden etc).

 

Please find a list attached.

 

I hope this information is useful.

 

Kind regards

Julia

 

If you are unhappy with the response or level of service you have received
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The following outcomes are possible:

• the original decision is upheld; or

• the original decision is reversed or modified.

 

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you wish to request an internal review, you should contact:

 

Steve Gettings

The Secretary to the Corporation

Ofcom

Riverside House

2a Southwark Bridge Road

London SE1 9HA

 

If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have
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decision.  The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:

 

Information Commissioner’s Office

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Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

 

 

 

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