Here are the most important changes introduced by the new Law 53/2009, for the Amateur's services in Portugal:
* Introduction of 3 new Ham class - named: 1, 2 and 3 - that will co-inhabit with the actual 3 (closed for new admissions A, B, C). So from now all 6 class will co-exist. * Minimum age to became HAM will be 12 years old (actually 16 year old). * The entry-class will be mandatory class 3. * Entry class 3 amateur´s radio must: * stay 2 years, minimum, on that class; * use 5 year maximum to apply for a class 2 permit. If they fail to get that permit they will lose the CAN; * use his station for reception only. For transmission they must use another licensed (from other class) amateur-radio station. In this case the presence of the owner is mandatory, acting as supervisor. * The old "station permit" is extincted, being substituted by the CAN - National Amateur Certificate (who allows a main fixed station, one additional fixed station, a mobile station and a portable station). * Automatic renewal of CAN that have a initial 10 years validity. * Creation of community stations - club stations. * Creation of IOCA - special callsigns valid for one year. The new Law will be effective on 1st June 2009. More info, in portuguese; http://ct-spot.blogspot.com/ Best Regards from, CT-Spot News Team.
