[W1SMH] FCC to Deregulate Amateur Radio Service

[Clayton Coleman]

Washington, DC, April 1, 2008:

In a bold move the Federal Communications Commission has decided to
deregulate the Amateur Radio Service. This comes at a time when budget
cuts within the Commission are forcing its Enforcement Bureau to shut
down by 1 January 2009.

A spokesperson for the Commission stated that since Amateur Radio
operators are supposed to be self-policing that this new move "should
not pose a problem". And that it would also "solve the whole issue of
restructuring".

This news has come as quite a shock to many in the Amateur Radio
community, striking up many heated debates. "Basically we're being told
that we're on our own as of 1 January, 2008", said a high-level League
staff member.

In the interim between 2008 and 2010 Amateur Radio operators are
expected to act just as they do now. "Nothing's changed yet, and all the
rules and regulations are still in effect," said a spokesperson for the
Commission.

All of this is set to change however, starting in 2008. On 1 January
2010 Amateur Radio in the United States will cease to exist as an
official radio service. At that time it will be up to the operators to
make up their own rules and regulations and to enforce them.

To clarify one other issue, "call signs that have not already been
issued will all be available on the 'honor system'," said another
Commission spokesperson. The band-plans and power limitations are
expected to stay the same.

Look for more information on this late-breaking news story as it becomes
available.