[MCARC] [Fwd: ARRL on the Purpose of Amateur Radio]

[Nate Bargmann]

A rather interesting message from ARRL HQ follows at the bottom of this
message..

I'm thinking it is in response to some rumors I read over the past
several days alleging that people being banned from various social media
sites are going to turn to ham radio en masse.  Perhaps there are other
goings on that I've not been privy to.  The FCC has just released the
following:

Federal Communications Commission DA 21-73



DA 21-73
Released: January 17, 2021

FCC ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY


WARNING: AMATEUR AND PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES LICENSEES AND OPERATORS MAY
NOT USE RADIO EQUIPMENT TO COMMIT OR FACILITATE CRIMINAL ACTS
The Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission
issues this Enforcement Advisory to remind licensees in the Amateur
Radio Service, as well as licensees and operators in the Personal Radio
Services, that the Commission prohibits the use of radios in those
services to commit or facilitate criminal acts.

The Bureau has become aware of discussions on social media platforms
suggesting that certain radio services regulated by the Commission may
be an alternative to social media platforms for groups to communicate
and coordinate future activities. The Bureau recognizes that these
services can be used for a wide range of permitted purposes, including
speech that is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S.
Constitution. Amateur and Personal Radio Services, however, may not be
used to commit or facilitate crimes.

Specifically, the Bureau reminds amateur licensees that they are
prohibited from transmitting “communications intended to facilitate a
criminal act” or “messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their
meaning.” 47 CFR § 97.113(a)(4).

Likewise, individuals operating radios in the Personal Radio Services, a
category that includes Citizens Band radios, Family Radio Service
walkie-talkies, and General Mobile Radio Service, are prohibited from
using those radios “in connection with any activity which is against
Federal, State or local law.” 47 CFR § 95.333(a).

Individuals using radios in the Amateur or Personal Radio Services in
this manner may be subject to severe penalties, including significant
fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and, in some cases, criminal
prosecution. 47 U.S.C. §§ 401, 501, 503, 510.


Media inquiries should be directed to 202-418-0500 or
MediaRelations at fcc.gov.
To file a complaint with the FCC, visit
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC. To report a
crime, contact your local law enforcement office or the FBI.
To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities
(Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail
to fcc504 at fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at
(202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).

Issued by: Chief, Enforcement Bureau



Maybe we need to reinstate the Morse Exam?  ;-)

73, Nate

----- Forwarded message from ARRL Web site <memberlist at www.arrl.org> -----

Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2021 14:11:34 -0500 (EST)
From: ARRL Web site <memberlist at www.arrl.org>
To: n0nb at n0nb.us
Subject: ARRL on the Purpose of Amateur Radio

[For over 100 years amateur radio and ARRL — the National Association
for Amateur Radio® — have stood for the development of the science and
art of communications, public service, and the enhancement of
international goodwill. Amateur Radio’s long history and service to the
public has solidified the well-earned reputation that “Amateur Radio
saves lives.”]<http://www.arrl.org/>

ARRL on the Purpose of Amateur Radio

For over 100 years amateur radio and ARRL — the National Association for
Amateur Radio® — have stood for the development of the science and art
of communications, public service, and the enhancement of international
goodwill. Amateur Radio’s long history and service to the public has
solidified the well-earned reputation that “Amateur Radio saves lives.”

Amateur Radio Operators, due to their history of public service, their
training, and the requirement that they be licensed by the FCC have
earned their status as a component of critical communications
infrastructure and as a reliable resource “when all else fails."

Amateur Radio is about development of communications and responsible
public service. Its misuse is inconsistent with its history of service
and its statutory charter. ARRL does not support its misuse for purposes
inconsistent with these values and purposes.

----- End forwarded message -----

-- 

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
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