NW Valley Times

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made a significant update to amateur radio regulations, modernizing the rules for operators. The FCC voted to eliminate the current Symbol Rate Limit and replace it with a 2.8 kilohertz (kHz) bandwidth limitation. This change comes as a result of the efforts of U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko, who introduced the Amateur Radio Communications Improvement Act to push for this update.

In response to the FCC's decision, Congresswoman Lesko expressed her appreciation for the agency's responsiveness to the needs of amateur radio operators. She highlighted the importance of increasing the speed of transmission for operators to efficiently transmit messages during times of crisis. Lesko also acknowledged the advancements in modern technology that allow for more data to be transmitted on the spectrum.

Rick Roderick, President of ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio, applauded the FCC's action, emphasizing its positive impact on public service communications. Roderick stated that this change will greatly benefit amateurs who provide vital communication services during natural disasters and emergencies. He also mentioned that removing the outdated data restrictions will encourage radio amateurs to continue experimenting and developing more spectrum-efficient protocols and methods.

Congresswoman Lesko's efforts in pushing for these regulatory changes were recognized by Roderick. He expressed gratitude for her work in getting these detrimental government restrictions removed, acknowledging the positive impact it will have on the amateur radio community.

In an earlier hearing of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Congresswoman Lesko had the opportunity to question FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel about the need for these updates. The exchange between Lesko and Rosenworcel can be watched online for those interested in learning more about the reasons behind the regulatory changes.

The FCC's decision to modernize amateur radio regulations is a significant step forward for the amateur radio community. It will enable operators to better serve their communities during times of crisis and encourage further innovation in the field. With the support of Congresswoman Lesko and other stakeholders, amateur radio operators can continue to contribute to public service communications with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

To learn more, click on this link: https://lesko.house.gov/2023/11/fcc-modernizes-amateur-radio-regulations-following-pressure-from-lesko-bill