[SFDXA] ARRL Member Bulletin for April 14, 2025

[Bill]

ARRL Member Bulletin for April 14, 2025


	

April 14, 2025



Dear ARRL Member,

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® filed comments [PDF] 
<https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzA3OTE5JnA9MSZ1PTUyNTQ3MzY2NCZsaT0zNzY2MDgzNA/index.html> 
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://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzA3OTE5JnA9MSZ1PTUyNTQ3MzY2NCZsaT0zNzY2MDgzNQ/index.html>/. 
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://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzA3OTE5JnA9MSZ1PTUyNTQ3MzY2NCZsaT0zNzY2MDgzNg/index.html> 
[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 © 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®

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