W2LJ QRP .... Do More With Less

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QST - To All Radio Amateurs

Posted: 27 Oct 2016 12:39 PM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/feedb...medium=ema il

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB039 ARLB039 Rule Making Petition to FCC Calls for Vanity
Call Sign Rule Changes

ZCZC AG39 QST de W1AW ARRL Bulletin 39 ARLB039 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT October 27, 2016 To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB039 ARLB039 Rule Making Petition to FCC Calls for Vanity
Call Sign Rule Changes

The FCC is inviting comments on a Petition for Rule Making (RM-11775) from
a Nevada radio amateur that seeks changes to the rules governing the
Amateur Radio Vanity Call Sign Program. Christopher LaRue, W4ADL, of North
Las Vegas, is proposing that any licensee obtaining a vanity call sign be
required to keep it for the full license term. LaRue contends in his
petition that excessive and frequent vanity call sign filings are hampering
the ability of other qualified licensees to obtain vanity call signs in one
of the more desirable 1 x 2 or 2 x 1 formats. LaRue said that since the FCC
dropped the fee to file for a vanity call sign, some applicants are taking
advantage by regularly obtaining new call signs, thereby keeping them out
of circulation.

The petition can be found on the web in PDF format at,
https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/1004220...etition%20.pdf .

"Some are changing call signs almost monthly, just to keep the newer
code-free Extra class operators from obtaining a shorter call sign," he
said in his petition. "I even saw an older operator that said he does it
all the time and has not even owned a radio in over 6 years. When I looked
him up, he has had 16 different [call signs] in 18 months."

LaRue said his proposed minor rule change would require any licensee
applying for and obtaining an Amateur Radio vanity call sign "be required
to keep it for the duration of the license, which is currently 10 years."

He said this would "alleviate a lot of the stress on the ULS system and
manpower requirements" at the FCC. "It will also keep inactive amateurs
from changing call signs regularly, thereby tying up call signs for 2 years
after dismissal of said call."

Interested parties may comment using the FCC Electronic Comment Filing
System (ECFS) at, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/ . Comments are due within 30
days of the October 26 posting date. NNNN /EX

I had no idea this was occurring! Takes all kinds, I guess.

72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!