***Forgive the top posting***

I was requested to define "Amateur Service" ... what service?

"47 CFR 97.3 Definitions:

(a) Definitions of terms used in Part 97 a

(1) Amateur operator ... redacted
(2) Amateur radio Services ... redacted
(3) Amateur Satellite Service ... redacted
(4) Amateur Service. A radio communication for the purpose of self training,
intercommunication and technical investigations carries out by amateurs, that
is, duly authorized persons interested in the radio technique solely with a
personal aim and without pecuniary interest."

Definitions [a][5] through [a][46] and section [b] in it's entirety have been
excluded.

There are three elements of the amateur service: 1) 'self training' in any and
all aspects of electro-magnetic radio telecommunication [notice this is listed
first]; 2) 'intercommunication' includes talking, satellite techniques,
television techniques [yes, amateurs can design and operate wideband tv],
microwave techniques, digital techniques, spread spectrum techniques, CW, AM,
SSB, FM, etc.; 3) 'technical investigations' include propagation studies at HF,
VHF, UHF and microwave, EME activities, antenna developments, new modulation
modes [particularly in digital communications], error correction techniques in
digital communication, bandwidth compression techniques, and any number of
Physics and Electronic areas of investigation.

Amateur [non financially compensated] radio is much more than buying a box and
using it to just talk with someone. IMO, it is a service wherein the amateur, a
duly authorized person, is committed to self training [education] in some
components of the electromagnetic radio communication arts and sciences.

"Duly Authorized" requires authorization by competent authority after a
demonstration of some related skill or knowledge by the person seeking to be
'duly authorized'. If a demonstrable skill level is NOT required then "Duly
Authorized' does not make sense.

If you just want to talk, the 11 meter band or the FRS will meet your needs.

/s/ DD [AKA Dave]

Anonymous wrote:
Dave Said:


Amateur Radio is a SERVICE!!! If you only think of it as a hobby your thinking
is flawed.


Hi Dave,

I've seen you refer to service vs hobby a number of times in this thread. As a noob here, could you explain
this? What do you mean by 'service'? Getting on, talking to others...communicating with others seems more of
a hobby to me.

Can you explain the service aspects of ham radio that you are referring to....can you define for me 'service'
and why amateur radio is a service to you rather than a hobby?