Under a new deregulation mandate, the FCC is soliciting public input on rules that may be deemed outdated or unnecessary. If amateur radio frequencies are seen as underutilized or commercially valuable, they could be auctioned off to corporate interests, permanently limiting our ability to operate.
Please visit the website to sign our petition and make a comment directly to the FCC about protecting our airwaves.
The Threat: FCC Deregulation
Under a new deregulation mandate, the FCC is soliciting public input on rules that may be deemed outdated or unnecessary. If amateur radio frequencies are seen as underutilized or commercially valuable, they could be auctioned off to corporate interests, permanently limiting our ability to operate.
Why This Matters
Amateur radio may seem antiquated, but its unique capabilities make it irreplaceable in certain scenarios. Here’s why preserving these frequencies is crucial:
Emergency Communications: When natural disasters take out cell towers and internet infrastructure, ham radio remains operational. Examples:
STEM Education & Innovation: Ham radio is a gateway into engineering, physics, and communications.
- NASA collaborates with amateur radio operators to enable astronauts to communicate directly with students on Earth, inspiring interest in science and technology careers.
- The ARISS program allows students worldwide to engage in direct communication with ISS crew members, fostering interest in STEM fields.
National Security & Disaster Preparedness: Amateur radio provides decentralized, independent communication that cannot be easily disrupted by cyberattacks or infrastructure failures.
Community Service & Public Events: Ham operators provide free communication support for public safety efforts.
International Disaster Response & Global Connectivity:
- After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, amateur radio operators provided essential communication links in affected regions where infrastructure was destroyed.
- During the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China, ham radio operators were among the first to establish emergency communications, aiding in relief efforts.
Reliable Communication in Rural and Remote Areas:
- In Alaska, many off-grid communities rely on amateur radio for essential communication where there is no access to cellular networks.
- Sailors, mountaineers, and researchers depend on ham radio for long-range communication in extreme environments, ensuring safety and coordination.
Ham Radio in Cybersecurity & Emergency Drills:
- In simulations of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, ham radio networks have proven to be reliable communication channels when conventional systems are compromised.
- Government agencies conduct nationwide emergency drills with ham radio operators as key participants, highlighting their importance in disaster preparedness.
What You Can Do
1. Submit Comments to the FCC (Deadline: April 11, 2025)
The FCC is accepting public input on potential deregulation. It’s critical that amateur operators and supporters submit comments to ensure our voice is heard.
- How to Submit Comments:
- Docket Number: GN Docket No. 25-133
- Sample Comments: Example 1 – Example 2
2. Contact Your Lawmakers
Inform your representatives that amateur radio must be protected. We’ll provide a template letter you can send.
Understanding the Policy Factors
When submitting comments, be sure to address the FCC’s review criteria:
- Cost-benefit considerations: Amateur radio’s public service role far outweighs any perceived burden.
- Implementation experience: Ham radio has consistently demonstrated its importance in emergencies.
- Market & technology changes: Unlike commercial networks, ham radio operates independently and is irreplaceable.
- Regulatory fairness: Amateur operators provide a unique service without profit motives.
See HERE for a statement from the ARRL regarding this topic. Join the Fight to Protect Amateur Radio
Stay informed, get involved, and help us ensure that the airwaves remain open for public use. Sign up for updates and take action today!
