The FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau granted a request filed by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for a limited waiver of section 97.111(a) of the Commission’s rules to permit licensed amateur stations to communicate with military stations over a two-day period. The waiver request is for the purpose of a short-term event commemorating the 83rd anniversary of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7 and 8, 2024.
The ARRL says tests such as the proposed demonstrations of cross-band capabilities provide opportunities to train operators and test two-way communications capabilities between military communicators and radio stations in the Amateur Radio Service. The tests enable operators to demonstrate technical skills in a controlled scenario, notes ARRL.
Five federal frequencies were chosen for the test: 7,469 kHz, 14,667 kHz, 19,160 kHz, 21,856 kHz, and 12,382 kHz. The frequencies won’t cause harmful interference and time periods selected will not impact any public, private, or government communications, according to the ARRL.
The bureau agrees the waiver can benefit the public. It says in the order, “This event presents a unique opportunity for amateur operators to practice communications skills under the guidance of military officials, which may be useful in the future and serves the public interest.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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