SB QST @ ARL $ARLB018
ARLB018 FCC issues changes in Amateur Radio rules (Part 1)

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ARRL Bulletin 18  ARLB018
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  April 2, 1997
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB018
ARLB018 FCC issues changes in Amateur Radio rules (Part 1)

In response to three petitions for rulemaking, the FCC has adopted
changes to the Amateur Service rules that--among other changes--will
make it easier to obtain 1x1 call signs for special event stations
and harder to get a club station license.  Other amendments to the
rules included in a Report and Order released April 1, 1997, will
allow hams to append special designators either before or after
their call signs--or both, and will recognize, but not require, the
use of a session manager at Volunteer Examiner testing sessions.

The FCC declined to give examination credit for formerly held
licenses, and turned down an ARRL request for a lifetime operator's
license.

Under the new amendments, the FCC will allow a licensee to
substitute a self-selected call sign from the block of 1x1 call
signs for temporary use during a special event operation.  The
station must announce its regularly assigned call sign at least once
an hour.  The special event call signs will be coordinated and
issued by outside volunteer entities, not by the FCC.  The
Commission will announce later when and how volunteer entities may
volunteer their services.  The chief of the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau then would certify volunteer entities to
serve as amateur station special event call sign coordinators, who
would issue 1x1 calls from a common, online special event call sign
database.  By definition, a 1x1 call sign consists of a single
prefix letter, K, N or W; the region number, 0 to 9; and a single
suffix letter, A to W, Y and Z--750 call signs in all.  The FCC
turned down a suggestion that would have limited special event call
signs to stations licensed to Amateur Extra class operators.

In proposing to increase the eligibility requirements for a club
station license, the FCC said it was ''important to determine that
the applicant for a club station license is a legitimate radio club
and not just a person seeking to acquire additional call signs.''
Under the rules changes, the FCC has raised the eligibility
requirement from at least two members to a minimum of four.
Applicants for a club station license must have a club name, a
document of organization, management, and a primary ham radio
purpose that's consistent with FCC rules.

(END OF PART 1)
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