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Rule making petition calls for vanity call sign rule change

Posted: 29 Oct 2016 11:33 AM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/kb6nu...m_medium=email

I had a chuckle when I read this. Its really a shame to have to implement a
rule like this, but I guess this situation couldÂ*have been anticipated when
the FCC dropped the vanity callsignÂ*fee. Im not sure that requiring a
vanity callsign holder to keep it for the term of the license is
reallyÂ*necessaryI think that requiring it to be held for two years or five
years would be sufficient. I also think that the rules governing how a call
gets returned to the pool could be changed so that if someone gives up a
vanity callsign it would be returned immediately to the pool.Dan
SB QST @ ARL $ARLB039

ARLB039 Rule Making Petition to FCC Calls for Vanity Call Sign RuleÂ*Changes

ZCZC AG39
QST de W1AW

ARRL Bulletin 39 Â*ARLB039

From ARRL Headquarters

Newington CT Â*October 27, 2016

To all radio amateurs
SB QST ARL ARLB039

ARLB039 Rule Making Petition to FCC Calls for Vanity Call Sign RuleÂ*Changes
The FCC is inviting comments on a Petition for Rule MakingÂ*(RM-11775) from
a Nevada radio amateur that seeks changes to theÂ*rules governing the
Amateur Radio Vanity Call Sign Program.Â*Christopher LaRue, W4ADL, of North
Las Vegas, is proposing that anyÂ*licensee obtaining a vanity call sign be
required to keep it for theÂ*full license term. LaRue contends in his
petition that excessive andÂ*frequent vanity call sign filings are hampering
the ability of otherÂ*qualified licensees to obtain vanity call signs in one
of the moreÂ*desirable 1 x 2 or 2 x 1 formats. LaRue said that since the
FCCÂ*dropped the fee to file for a vanity call sign, some Â*applicants
areÂ*taking advantage by regularly obtaining new call signs, therebyÂ*keeping
them out of circulation.
The petition can be found on the web in PDF format.Â*Some are changing call
signs almost monthly, just to keep the newerÂ*code-free Extra class
operators from obtaining a shorter call sign,Â*he said in his petition. I
even saw an older operator that said heÂ*does it all the time and has not
even owned a radio in over 6 years.Â*When I looked him up, he has had 16
different [call signs] in 18Â*months.
LaRue said his proposed minor rule change would require any
licenseeÂ*applying for and obtaining an Amateur Radio vanity call sign
beÂ*required to keep it for the duration of the license, which isÂ*currently
10 years.
He said this would alleviate a lot of the stress on the ULS systemÂ*and
manpower requirements at the FCC. It will also keep inactiveÂ*amateurs from
changing call signs regularly, thereby tying up callÂ*signs for 2 years
after dismissal of said call.
Interested parties may comment using the FCC Electronic CommentÂ*Filing
System (ECFS). Comments areÂ*due within 30 days of the October 26 posting
date.

NNNN

/EX

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