September, 2004 | |
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FCC Emergency Communications Declaration Policy Prefers VHF-UHF
The FCC has formalized its policy for issuing an emergency communications declaration (ECD) on Amateur
Radio Service frequencies. The policy, which became effective August 2, states that ECDs will be issued
for VHF or UHF repeaters -- if the licensee consents -- or on simplex channels in the 60-meter band. The FCC
will not entertain requests to specifically sequester frequencies in other HF bands for emergency traffic only.
Past emergency communications declarations -- typically issued during weather-related emergencies -- have
put frequencies on 75 and 40 meters off limits to general use in an affected region. The practice has drawn
complaints from members of the amateur community -- especially from those well outside the affected region --
and from emergency nets, which still experienced QRM.
Hawaii's Governor Vetoes Amateur Radio Antenna Bills
NEWINGTON, CT, July 15, 2004 -- Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has vetoed two Amateur Radio antenna bills.
Both pieces of legislation would have provided limited opportunities for amateurs living under private deed
covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) to erect antennas. HB 2773 would have opened the door for
amateurs living in condominiums to make arrangements with the homeowners' association board to
install an antenna without having to change the CC&Rs -- often a more difficult process. HB 2774 would have granted
similar rights to the relatively few amateurs who live under CC&Rs in agricultural-zoned property.
Lingle, a Republican, invoked the same reason for refusing to sign both bills into law.
"This bill is objectionable because it amounts to an inappropriate and unacceptable governmental intrusion
into the contractual affairs of the property owners," Lingle said July 13 in her veto messages to
HB 2773 and HB 2774. "This measure would allow the installation of antennas in an owner's unit,
notwithstanding objections by other owners." The two measures, sponsored by Rep Ken Hiraki (D-28),
had undergone substantial changes in wording from that proposed in the original legislation.
Following lengthy negotiations and a House-Senate conference, HB 2773 passed the Senate May 3 on a 25-0 vote and the
House on a 37-14 vote. On the same day, HB 2774 -- essentially completely reworded from its original text --
also received unanimous Senate approval, while House members okayed the measure on a 35-16 vote. Lingle
indicated in late June that she planned to veto the measures, and ARRL Pacific Section Manager Kevin Bogan, AH6QO, called
on Hawaii members to convincer her not to.
FCC announces expanded Universal Licensing System Hotline Support hours
The FCC has announced expande hours for its Universal Licensing System (ULS) Hotline Support. ULS
users now may reach the FCC ULS Hotline by phone -- toll-free 877-480-3201 or local, 717-338-2888
(Amateur Service callers select option 2) -- from 8 AM until 7 PM Eastern Time except on federal holidays.
"Customer demand will determine whether there will be changes to this schedule," the FCC said in a public
notice. ULS Hotline Support also is available via email ulshelp@fcc.gov. Contact ULS Hotline
Support if you have questions about which applications to use, what information is being requested on a ULS
form or schedule or any other ULS-related licensing matter. The FCC continues to provide ULS technical support
weekdays from 8 AM to 6 PM Eastern time. Call toll-free, 877-480-3701 or local, 202-414-1250 (TTY 202-414-1255).
Technical Support handles questions concerning computer access to ULS, uploading files, submitting attachments to ULS
filings and FRN passwords. The FCC notes that all calls to the ULS hotlines are recorded. -- FCC [vi ARRL Web Extra]
FCC no longer issuing certain 2x3-format vanity call signs
For the record, the FCC has stopped issuing 2x3-format Amateur Radio vanity call signs that begin with the
prefixes WC, WR, WK, and WT (eg, WR1AAA, WC4ZZZ). The Commission has acknowledged that it erroneously
granted more than 150 WR and WC-format vanity call signs from 1997 through September 2003, when it began
rejecting such call sign requests.
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