Miscellaneous New Rules (U.S.A)

[Renae/k9do]

Miscellaneous New Rules

Also now in effect are new Amateur Radio Service rules to:

• discourage multiple vanity call sign filings on the same day from the same applicant. According to §97.19(d)(1), if the FCC receives more than one application requesting a vanity call sign from a single applicant on the same receipt day, it will process only the first application entered into the Universal Licensing System (ULS). The FCC no longer accepts subsequent vanity applications from the same applicant on the same receipt date;
  
  
• permit auxiliary stations to transmit on portions 2 meters;
  
  
• permit spread spectrum on 222-225 MHz;
  
  
• permit amateurs to retransmit International Space Station communications;
  
  
• permit a radio amateur to designate a specific Amateur Radio club to receive his or her call sign in memoriam;
  
  
• eliminate certain restrictions governing the manufacture, marketing and sale of external RF power amplifiers intended for Amateur Radio use;
  
  
• clarify that "amateur stations may, at all times and on all frequencies authorized to the control operator, make transmissions necessary to meet essential communication needs and to facilitate relief actions";
  
  
• delete Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) frequency bands and segments stations;
  
  
• delete the requirement to publicly announce Amateur Radio examination locations and times, and
  
  
• permit Amateur Radio stations in Alaska and surrounding waters more flexibility in providing emergency communications.