The FCC has settled an investigation into an alleged unauthorized launch and operation of small satellites by Swarm Technologies. The company agreed to a Consent Decree that included a $900,000 penalty, an extended period of FCC oversight, and a requirement of pre-launch notices to the FCC, among other stipulations. “We will aggressively enforce the FCC’s requirements that […]
Tag: legal
via the ARRL: Detained Norwegian Radio Amateur Now Allowed to Leave Chad
A tense situation involving a Norwegian radio amateur that reached the diplomatic and foreign ministry level in the African Republic of Chad now has been resolved. Kenneth Opskar, LA7GIA, had only operated as TT8KO for about a day before security police shut down his station on October 10. At that point, he’d logged and uploaded […]
via the ARRL: FCC Sticks by Prescribed Page Limit in Denying Request in Radio Amateur’s Appeal
In an August 24 Order, the FCC denied a request by William F. Crowell, W6WBJ (ex-N6AYH) of Diamond Springs, California, for permission to file an appeal that would exceed the page length prescribed by FCC rules. “We find that Crowell has not shown good cause for exceeding the prescribed page limit,” said the Order, signed by Linda […]
PODCAST: This Week in Amateur Radio #1018
This Week in Amateur Radio #1018 Release Date: September 1, 2018 Here is a summary of the news trending this week. This week’s edition is anchored by Will Rogers, K5WLR, Don Hulick, K2ATJ, Fred Fitte, NF2F, George W2XBS, and Jessica Bowen, KC2VWX. Produced and edited (and a little anchoring too the week) by W2XBS. Running […]
PODCAST: This Week in Amateur Radio #1010 / 1011
This Week in Amateur Radio #1010 / 1011 Combined Editions Here is a summary of the news trending this week, July 14, 2018. This weeks edition is anchored by Chris Perrine, KB2FAF, Don Hulick, K2ATJ, Will Rogers, K5WLR, and Jessica Bowen, KB2VWX. Produced and edited (and a little anchoring too the week) by W2XBS. Running […]
Student grilled for carrying VHF radio in Hyderabad (India)
A 19-year-old amateur radio ham was detained by Hyderabad Metro Rail officials at the Nagole Metro Station for carrying a very high frequency (VHF) radio base station and walkie-talkie. The Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) student, K Nagasainath, told ‘Telangana Today’ that he was let off only after an hour of interrogation and after his details were […]
FCC must act to avoid a grave threat to GPS
If you like your GPS, you should be worried. A proposal before the Federal Communications Commission would allow transmissions that will block or degrade GPS service for millions of Americans. Over the past 20 years, GPS has become a silent utility upon which most of our infrastructure — as well as daily life — now […]
Neighbors object to possible Brunswick radio tower (Maine)
An application to build a 120-foot amateur radio tower off Pennellville Road may not be complete, but it has prompted neighbors to hire an attorney to protest the potential structure. The topic was addressed at the Nov. 20 Town Council meeting, where Chairwoman Alison Harris noted she had received letters from constituents about the project. […]
Glenn Baxter, ex-K1MAN, SK; Engaged in Protracted Enforcement Battle with FCC
Glenn Baxter, ex-K1MAN, of Belgrade, Maine, died on May 5. He was 75. In 2014, Baxter ultimately lost his battle to retain his Amateur Extra class license when the FCC dismissed his long-standing renewal application, citing an unpaid $10,000 forfeiture stemming from violations over a period extending back several years. The K1MAN call sign now […]
Telecommunications Ministry in India Orders Halt to Online Transceiver Sales
The Mumbai Mirror in India reports that a complaint by radio amateurs has prompted the Telecommunications Ministry to order online purveyors, including eBay and Amazon, to stop selling wireless transmitting equipment. According to the newspaper, a group of hams wrote the Wireless Advisor in the Telecommunications Ministry last fall to warn that online sales of […]
Open Letter to the President of the WIA
The following letter was received today by the NewsWest team. It paints a disturbing picture of abuse by the now emphatically dis-endorsed WIA board, directed at Mr John Longayroux, a current member of the WIA and for many years the volunteer Treasurer of the Institute. It’s clear that the current WIA board is unable to […]
Hytera Issues Statement on Motorola Solutions’ Litigation
We are disappointed that Motorola Solutions has chosen to bring lawsuits against Hytera rather than compete in the marketplace. We are ready to respond vigorously to Motorola Solutions’ allegations, and are fully confident that Hytera will be vindicated in U.S. federal court. Today’s radio communications markets are evolving, demanding new solutions, and are best served […]
HRD co-founder dismissed following blacklisting row
The developer of Ham Radio Deluxe – a popular app used by thousands of hams – have restructured its management following claims it punished users who wrote critical reviews. HRD Software said in a statement on Friday that co-founder Rick Ruhl will step down to pursue other interests. Ruhl, along with co-owners Mike Carper and […]
via the ARRL: New England Forum to Demystify Tax-Exempt Status for Ham Radio Clubs
Most radio clubs are set up as non-profit corporations, but this does not mean that they are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax code. Some changes that took place in 2014 simplified the process for smaller organizations with less than $50,000 in annual gross revenues and reduced the amount […]
Amateur radio tower approved in Dripping Springs after a year’s wait (Texas)
After lengthy deliberation Sept. 21, the Dripping Springs City Council approved a special permit allowing a resident to install an 80-foot radio tower on his property. The tower will be going up on the property of William Saulnier, the applicant, who lives on Springwood Drive. But the process was lengthy, as his application had been […]