April 14, 2025
Dear ARRL Member,
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio(R) filed comments [PDF] [
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Advocacy/ARRL 25-133 Comments 04_11_2025.pdf ]
with the Federal Communications Commission in response to its request for
public input on alleviating unnecessary regulatory burdens by deleting or
modifying rules, In the Matter of Delete, Delete, Delete [
https://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-initiates-broad-inquiry-on-rules-to-delete-or-amend?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL] . Implementing ARRL's suggestions would promote and protect the art,
science, and enjoyment of amateur radio, and enhance the development of the
next generation of radio amateurs.
In response to ARRL's request, over 200 members submitted suggestions that
were reviewed when considering what rules should be deleted or modified. ARRL
will continue to engage with members and advocate for the Amateur Radio
Service.
In its filing, ARRL asked the FCC to delete or amend the following rules:
Delete the LF and VHF/UHF Symbol (Baud) Rate and Bandwidth Limitations
ARRL supports the deletion of these restrictions as proposed by the
Commission in late 2023. Doing so would enhance Amateur experimentation with
digital technologies.
Update and Modernize Entry Level Technician Class License Privileges
ARRL reiterated its earlier proposal for extending additional limited
privileges for Technician class operators. Adopting its proposal would
provide new licensees an introductory window to HF data and phone
communications that are at the core of the Amateur Radio experience and serve
to incentivize the next generation of technical leaders just as Novice CW HF
privileges did for earlier generations of operators.
Modernize 80/75 Meter Subband Divisions
ARRL requested action on an earlier proposal that would make more efficient
and intense use of the 80/75 meter band. Changes in technology and modes
since band usage was last addressed have resulted in overcrowding in one band
segment that would be alleviated by adoption of ARRL's proposal.
Delete and Replace Obsolete Digital Code Limitations
ARRL also asked the FCC remove provisions that refer to digital codes that
today are obsolete and permit Radio Amateurs to experiment freely with new
digital codes, so long as such codes are publicly documented and decodable
over the air.
Implement Changes to Third Party Rules Adopted Internationally at WRC-03
Although the United States fully supported changes to the ITU Radio
Regulations in 2003 that removed a treaty requirement for third-party
messages, there is no record of this change having been considered and the
FCC's rules were never conformed to the new provision. Being the only nation
known to continue to require a formal treaty for such purposes has resulted
in no new such treaties for since the treaty changed more than two decades
ago. Thus ARRL asked the FCC to Implement rules that are consistent with
those internationally agreed to align with the rest of the world.
Delete Amplifier Drive Limitation
ARRL requested that the Commission act favorably on a pending proposal to
remove limits HF amplifier gain that add to Amateur equipment cost and impede
use of new efficient amplifier technology.
Remove Non-current Personal Information in Amateur ULS records
ARRL requested that the FCC complete a rule making in which it proposed that
only current licensee information to be visible in the public (ULS) database.
Right now, if an amateur changes their address to a Post Office Box to shield
their home address, the previous address remains visible. ARRL advocates for
protecting the privacy of radio amateurs.
Delete Obsolete Identification Requirement for Special Call Signs
Users of special event call signs are required to identify with the
FCC-issued responsible call sign at least once each hour. This can be
confusing, especially on data and CW modes. ARRL proposed reliance on the
web-based database that clearly identifies each special event call sign and
authorized period of use.
Delete Obsolete Paper License Replacement Provision
The FCC no longer mails physical copies of amateur radio licenses, so ARRL
suggested deleting the rule that provides for sending paper replacements as
obsolete.
The FCC notice [
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-219A1.pdf ]
[PDF] generated a lot of interest among radio amateurs, with hundreds of
Amateurs submitting comments directly to the FCC as well as responding to
ARRL's request for suggestions.
The FCC deadline for filing reply comments is April 28, 2025.
It is hoped that the Commission will incorporate worthy suggestions in a
future Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) later this year. At that time
there will be a new opportunity for public comment on the specific rules that
the Commission proposes to delete or modify.
Copyright �(c) 2025 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other purposes
require written permission.
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio(R)
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ARRL Member Bulletin for April 14, 2025