In January 2025, we launched our UK Amateur Radio Survey for 2025. We believe this to the be the largest survey of the UK community this year, and the results are out. We had a total of 855 responses.
Results Summary Video
We’ve released a short video covering the key findings of the survey, including an extract of us asking the key survey question at the RSGB’s 2025 AGM:
What are today’ amateur’s most common activities? Top 5:
- HF Operation
- VHF / UHF Operation
- Operating Portable
- Socialising / friendship
- Data Modes
How did respondents get into the hobby? Top 5:
- Always been interested in radio
- As a result of an interest in CB
- Shortwave Listener (SWL)
- Looking for a hobby
- I’m from an electronics background
What do today’s newcomers struggle with? Top 5:
- Nerves about operating
- Setting up an antenna
- Finding the money for equipment
- Working out which aspect of the hobby is best to start on first
- Choosing a transceiver
How do respondents rate key organisations?
| 5 (Highest) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 (Lowest) | |
| Essex Ham | 62.9% | 22.2% | 8.5% | 2.6% | 3.7% |
| Other online groups | 25.7% | 36.6% | 28.8% | 6.6% | 2.3% |
| Local bricks-and-mortar club | 28.5% | 18.9% | 17.2% | 12.8% | 22.6% |
| RSGB in general | 19.3% | 29.7% | 27.3% | 9.9% | 13.9% |
| RSGB exams | 24.4% | 27.4% | 22.7% | 10.3% | 15.2% |
| Ofcom (amateur radio only) | 22.9% | 32.6% | 31.4% | 7.8% | 5.3% |
Download Survey Results
Download the full results as a PDF: Essex Ham Survey 2025 Results (PDF)
Got a comment on the survey results?
Add a comment below!
