IARU E-LETTER
IARU Electronic Newsletter
November, 2009
In this issue: An Introduction
Preparations for WRC-12
IARU Administrative Council Meeting
GAREC-09 - Action Needed
An Introduction
This is the first IARU E-Letter for some period of time. As such, I thought
I would take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am Rod Stafford, W6ROD, the
new IARU Secretary. I will also be responsible for publishing this E-Letter. I
assumed the office of Secretary on October 1, 2009. Dave Sumner, K1ZZ has been
the IARU Secretary for the last 10 years and he was also IARU Secretary for a 7year period in the 1980's. Dave did a great job as Secretary and I hope to
continue the high standard that he established. Dave will continue to work
closely with the IARU Administrative Council and will be Recording Secretary at
the IARU Administrative Council meetings.
I began my association with the American Radio Relay League in 1983 as a
Section Manager in the ARRL Field Organization. The Section Manager is a locally
elected ARRL Official. In January, 1986, I became an ARRL Director and since
that time have served as a Director, First and Second Vice President, President
(1995-2000) and as the International Affairs Vice President (2000-present). I
have attended 16 regional conferences, numerous regional executive committee
meetings and numerous Administrative Council meetings. I'm certain the
international experience will assist me as I take on the challenges of being IARU
Secretary. In my professional life I have just retired as a Superior Court Judge
in the State of California USA. My last day as an active Judge was the day prior
to assuming the duties as IARU Secretary.
As far as my amateur radio operating, I enjoy the HF bands, particularly 20
and 40 meters, when I can make time to get on the air. Since I am now retired
from full-time employment I should have more time for operating. My favorite ham
activity is ragchewing and getting to know the person I work on the ham bands. I
also enjoy VHF-UHF operation when I am in the car.
The purpose of this newsletter will be to provide information to the IARU
member-societies that can be shared with their members. Many members of IARU
societies are unaware of much of what the IARU does and why it does what it does.
Hopefully, this newsletter will help disseminate that information. Membersocieties are requested to forward this E-Letter to their members electronically
or any other appropriate way. Another purpose of the newsletter is to keep the
member-societies up to date on the preparations for the upcoming World
Radiocommunication Conference in early, 2012 (WRC-12) and how the membersocieties can assist in the preparations. The newsletter will also serve as a
outlet for information coming from the member-societies. If there is information
that is appropriate to be shared with other member-societies around the world,
please send me an email with the information and it will be published in this
newsletter.
WRC-12 Preparations Underway
WRC-12 will start in January, 2012. The year 2012 seems a long way away but
it is only slightly more than two years from now. Preparations within national
telecom administrations have been underway for some period of time. Regional
telecom organizations have been meeting to discuss the WRC agenda items and to
arrive at regional positions on each issue.
Each and every IARU member-society capable of doing so should take the
initiative to contact their own administration and let the administration know
what the IARU position is on those WRC agenda items that impact the amateur radio
service. If your society needs some guidance or advice on how best to approach
the administration or what the substance of such discussions should be then do
not hesitate to contact the IARU International Secretariat for assistance.
It would be very helpful if your society could place a knowledgeable amateur
radio operator on the national delegation attending the WRC. If providing the
support for an amateur to attend the WRC is not possible, it would be helpful if
your society could arrange to have a knowledgeable amateur radio operator attend
the national administrations planning meetings or the regional preparatory
meetings leading up to the WRC.
Although the preparation process started some time ago it is not too late
for your society to get involved. Do it today.
IARU Administrative Council Meeting
October, 2009
The IARU Administrative Council (AC) held its annual meeting in mid-October,
2009, in Christchurch, New Zealand. IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA,
presided over his first AC meeting. Also in attendance was Ole Garpestad, LA2RR,
Vice President; Rod Stafford, W6ROD, Secretary; Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T,
President and Dennis Green, ZS4BS, Secretary, IARU Region 1; Ramón Santoyo,
XE1KK, Secretary, and Daniel Lamoureux, VE2KA, Director, IARU Region 2; and
Michael J. Owen, VK3KI, Chairman, and Shizuo Endo, JE1MUI, Director, IARU Region
3. Also present was Region 3 Director Peter Lake ZL2AZ along with David Sumner,
K1ZZ, as recording secretary.
One of the major topics of discussion at the AC meeting involved the
upcoming WRC-12, the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2012. The AC adopted
preliminary IARU positions on the WRC agenda items that relate to amateur radio
or may impact the amateur radio service. The most significant agenda items are:
1. Agenda Item (AI) 1.14 - Implementation of the radiolocation service in
the range 30-300 MHz;
2. AI 1.15 - Possible allocations in the range 3-50 MHz to the radiolocation
service for oceanographic radar applications;
3. AI 1.19 - Software-defined radio and cognitive radio systems;
4. AI 1.22 - Effect of emissions from short-range devices; and
5. AI 1.23 - To consider an allocation of about 15 kHz in parts of the band
415-526.5 kHz to the amateur service on a secondary basis, taking into account
the need to protect existing services.
IARU has a document on the IARU web site that identifies the present and
anticipated future requirements for radio spectrum allocations to the Amateur and
Amateur-Satellite Services. These requirements are identified so that they may be
taken into account in the formulation of national policies with respect to
proposed and possible future international allocations conferences. At each AC
meeting, those requirements are reviewed and when circumstances change so do the
requirements. If you're interested in seeing what the IARU sees as spectrum
requirements for the amateur service then log onto the IARU web site at
http://www.iaru.org and look for the "Spectrum Requirements" document.
The IARU 2025 Committee was established a few years ago to explore
restructuring IARU to make it more effective to meet the challenges faced by
amateur radio. The committee came up with a proposed new structure. However,
even though the proposed new structure had a number of beneficial aspects it
became obvious early on that funding of the new structure could be problematic.
At its recent meeting, the committee was restructured and given a slightly
different mandate. If the committee can't develop a funding method for the
proposed new structure then the committee may propose a different structure.
Additionally, the committee should identify changes which can be implemented in
the present structure to address concerns raised by the regional organizations
and some member-societies.
There has been a movement in the last several years to try to identify
"centers of activity" frequencies across all three IARU regions that can be used
in disaster relief operations. It has at times been difficult to arrive at a
consensus on what frequencies should be used. The AC noted that all three
regions have now reached consensus on three global Center of Activity (CoA)
frequencies for use in the event of emergencies: 14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHz.
When no emergency operations are being conducted, these frequencies are open for
normal amateur usage. However, GAREC-09 (more on GAREC later in this report)
calls upon IARU member-societies, among others, “whenever emergency
communications are being conducted on frequencies that propagate internationally,
to use any available real-time communications channels, including but not limited
to e-mail bulletins, web-sites, social networking and DX-clusters to draw the
attention of the largest possible number of Amateur Radio operators to on-going
emergency communications, in order to avoid interference with emergency traffic.”
It would be helpful for each member-society to develop an effective method of
notifying amateurs within their own country of any such emergency traffic being
handled on the CoA frequencies, or elsewhere in the amateur bands.
In 2008, the AC called for a study of the QSL Bureau System. Since the
study was initiated over 51 member-societies responded to the study
questionnaire. It became clear that in some societies, QSL cards are not handled
the same way for members as non-members. There are a small number of societies
that dispose of the cards sent through their bureaus for non-members. The AC
adopted a resolution stating ”that member-societies are strongly encouraged,
whenever possible, to provide incoming QSL bureau service to non-members within
their operating territory, if such non-members agree to pay the full cost of this
service; and if they are not already doing so, to explore appropriate means and
methods for delivering QSL cards to non-members.”
The AC adopted a protocol to deal with member-societies that no longer
exist. If for a period of not less than 5 years: (a) there is no address or
other means known to either the International Secretariat or the relevant
regional organization by which communication may be made with a member-society;
(b) there has been no communication from any person claiming to represent that
member-society; and (c) there is no other evidence of the continued existence of
that member-society. If those circumstances exist, then the relevant regional
organization may request that the AC thereafter publish in the Calendar a notice
setting out its belief that the particular Member-Society has ceased to exist,
and calling for the submission of any evidence to the contrary within 180 days of
the publication of the Calendar. If no such evidence is submitted within 180
days of the publication of the Calendar, then the member-society shall be deemed
to no longer exist from that date. Thereafter, any association of radio amateurs
claiming to represent that country or separate territory shall be required to
apply for membership in the IARU in accordance with the IARU Constitution and
Bylaws.
Promoting and preserving amateur radio is the mainstay of the IARU. The AC
has at its disposal a number of expert consultants and technical representatives
and relies heavily on such volunteer experts and technical representatives.
There is always a need for more assistance by knowledgeable amateurs to attend
ITU meetings and other telecommunications meetings to represent IARU. The IARU
regional organizations and member-societies can be of assistance by recommending
individuals who are capable of attending meetings and effectively promoting the
IARU objectives at such meetings. Individuals who are amateurs and who have
backgrounds in various technical fields such as broadband or wireless
technologies, propagation, radar, satellite communications and spectrum
management, just to name a few, can be of assistance. Individuals who may be
retired from government work in the field of communications or telecommunication
regulation are good candidates for working within the IARU to achieve IARU goals.
Member-society leaders are requested to investigate whether such individuals are
members of their society and to determine if those amateurs would be willing to
assist the IARU. If they are willing to do so, please contact the International
Secretariat with the names and contact information so inquires can be made to
determine if they are willing to join the IARU team of experts.
These are some of the important matters discussed at the recent
Administrative Council meeting. The complete Summary Record of the meeting can
be found at http://www.iaru.org/admin-council-summaries.html.
GAREC-09
The Fifth Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference (GAREC09) took place in Tokyo, Japan, 24 & 25 August 2009. GAREC-09 was hosted by
Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) and was held in conjunction with Jam Fair 2009.
Representatives from IARU, the three IARU regional organizations, representatives
from a number of IARU member-societies and specialized amateur radio emergency
communications groups from all three IARU regions attended the conference.
GAREC-09 produced a statement calling upon IARU member-societies and
specialized amateur radio emergency communications groups to:
 to establish close working relationships between the National IARU Member
Society and independent specialized Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
Groups in the respective countries as well as to cooperate internationally,
 to request their national regulatory authorities implement the modifications
to Article 25 of the Radio Regulations adopted by the World
Radiocommunication Conference 2003 (WRC-03), in particular the regulations
governing third-party traffic during emergencies and during training for
emergency operations,
 to provide training in emergency communications to as many amateurs as
possible in their respective countries with particular emphasis on:
 personal and logistical preparedness, the psychological aspects of entering
a disaster area, and familiarity with the civil protection system in their
country,
 specific communications techniques of particular value in emergencies, and
 remembering that the skills developed in the amateur service can be of great
benefit to disaster relief organizations in maintaining and operating their
own telecommunications networks,
 whenever emergency communications are being conducted on frequencies that
propagate internationally, to use any available real-time communications
channels, including but not limited to e-mail bulletins, web-sites, social
networking and DX-clusters to draw the attention of the largest possible
number of Amateur Radio operators to on-going emergency communications, in
order to avoid interference with emergency traffic,
 to use their contacts with national regulatory authorities to encourage the
accession to and implementation of the Tampere Convention on the Provision
of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief
Operations,

to support the work of the IARU on an international Emergency Communications
Handbook and to provide copies of existing agreements with institutional
partners in emergency response as well as copies of emergency communication
guidelines, manuals, and checklists developed for national or local use as
inputs to this work,
 to work towards the implementation of the Memoranda of Understanding
established between the IARU and ITU, IFRC, and the United Nations by
seeking cooperation with the respective national institutions and
organizations in their country,
 to continuously improve their awareness of the mission, vision, and values
of served agencies, and
 to represent themselves as a human and technical resource able and willing
to investigate the communication requirements of served agencies, offer
recommendations when asked, and facilitate emergency communications when
required.
GAREC-10 is already being planned. GAREC will return to Region 2 in
2010. The Venue will be CURACAO. The dates will be October 11-12, 2010.
The Theme of the Conference will be: "Learning Through Practicing". More details
about GAREC-10 will be available as the conference draws closer or on the GAREC
web site at http://www.iaru.org/emergency/.
CONTACT INFORMATION
I can be reached by email at w6rod@iaru.org. If you have information that
you believe would be of interest to the other IARU member-societies around the
world then send the information to me. If you would like to see a particular
subject discussed in this E-Letter, don't hesitate to contact me with the
suggestion.
73,
Rod Stafford W6ROD
Secretary, International Amateur Radio Union
IARU E-LETTER
IARU Electronic Newsletter
March, 2010
In this Issue:
Regional Conference on Amateur Radio, Qatar
Wireless Institute of Australia Celebrates 100 Years
Bill Wilson, VE3NR, SK
IARU Region 2 Assists Radio Club de Chile (RCCH)
IARU Questions Whether Certain Member-Societies Still Exist
Fun Stuff: IARU Operating Award For Worked All Continents
Regional Conference on Amateur Radio 2010 (RCAR 2010)
The following information is from Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, IARU Vice-President.
The Regional Conference on Amateur Radio will be held April 4 - 6, 2010 in Doha, State of Qatar and will be
the biggest Regional Symposium on Amateur Radio in the Middle East in 2010.
The Conference is organized by the QATAR AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY (QARS) jointly with the
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). So far the kind invitation from the QARS Chairman H.E. Abdullah
bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, A71AU, has been accepted by a number of IARU societies in the Middle East as well as
one from Region 3 together with Telecom Regulators and Administrations from the GCC area. Participation is
also expected from ITU officials as well as local Qatar officials. The IARU team will consist of: IARU Vice
President Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, IARU Region 1 President Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T and IARU
Region 1 EC-member Hani Raad, OD5TE.
The symposium gives the delegates the opportunity to exchange information related to the Amateur Radio
Service in the Arab World along with the regulatory aspects in connection with the Amateur Radio Service. The
program consist of presentations on Regulatory issues, preparation for WRC-12, Amateur Radio Emergency
and Disaster Communication, national regulations of Amateur Radio in the GCC States combined with panel
discussions and workshops with the aim to assist in building and maintaining good working relationship
between the National Regulators and the Amateur Radio Societies.
Doha has been launched by UNESCO as the capital of the Arab culture and a celebration of ”Al-Doha Capital
of Arab Culture 2010" with H.E. Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage will take place during the RCAR 2010
event.
More information on the invitation, program, hotel and visa may be found in related documents available on the
IARU Region 1 web or obtained from any of the IARU team members listed above.
Wireless Institute of Australia Celebrates 100 Years
The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) is celebrating 100 years of organized amateur radio in Australia.
On 11 March, 1910 a meeting of like-minded people in the Hotel Australia, Martin Place, Sydney, formed the
Institute of Wireless Telegraphy of Australia, and soon after dropped the word 'telegraphy' from its name.
Chairman of the founding meeting, George Taylor, proposed "the formation of an institution amongst
experimenters and enthusiasts in wireless for their mutual benefit."
A similar organisation was formed in Melbourne - the Amateur Wireless Society of Victoria, on 30 November
1911 at a meeting attended by 50 enthusiasts. In 1913 it changed its name to the Wireless Institute of Victoria,
and then became the Wireless Institute of Australia, Victorian Division. Then followed The Wireless Institute of
Queensland (1912), the West Australian Radio Club (1913) became the Wireless Institute of Australia, Western
Australia Section.
In May 1924 the Institute at a federation meeting held in Melbourne resulted in a nation-wide organisation to
represent the experimenters, an outcome that had been desired for some time by the Postmaster General who
had responsibility for wireless. Exactly 100 years on from that first meeting in Sydney, the experimenters, now
known as radio amateurs, can legitimately celebrate the establishment of their representative organisation, the
Wireless Institute of Australia - the oldest such group in the world.
A range of initiatives and activities are to happen in 2010 providing an opportunity for every radio amateur to
be involved in what will be a memorable celebration. Special event callsign VK100WIA will be very popular.
Make it a personal aim to make contact this station, consider your plan to achieve the WIA Centenary Award
and if a club member support its involvement in the celebration. A commemorative logo is now available for
use by WIA members on their QSL cards. Want to know more? Full details are available on the WIA website
through its homepage at www.wia.org.au and look under the 'WIA Centenary Celebrations' section. It
contains a lot of information including activities, the commemorative logo, Centenary Award, the VK100WIA
special event callsign -its roster, online log and QSL card - plus a range of affordable centenary merchandise.
Credit-WIA web site.
Bill Wilson, VE3NR, SK
The International Amateur Radio Union expresses its profound regret of the recent passing of Bill Wilson,
VE3NR. Bill was a strong supporter of the amateur radio service with his work for the Canadian regulator at
the International Telecommunications Union. He provided support and guidance to the Canadian IARU member
society for many years. Bill mentored a number of prominent individuals including Robert Jones VE7RWJ, the
former Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau at the ITU.
IARU President Tim Ellam VE6SH remembers Bill was instrumental in assisting Canadian amateurs with
planning for WARC-92. “Bill Wilson was one of the best friends amateur radio could have. His guidance and
support to Radio Amateurs of Canada and its predecessor societies cannot be underestimated” Ellam said.
IARU President Emeritus, Larry Price W4RA, recalled that WARC-92 was a turning point in the future
relationship between CARF and CRRL when neither organisation could agree on a single spokesperson for
amateurs in Canada and this eventually resulted in proposals to combine the two to have a single national
Society, R.A.C. “Bill Wilson was a strong leader who did not lose sight of the eventual goal of representing
well the radio amateur’s interests, he is sorely missed.”
The IARU and its member societies express its deepest sympathies to Bill Wilson’s family.
IARU Region 2 Assists Member Society With Earthquake Damage
At the 2007 Triennial IARU Region 2 Conference, the General Assembly established a Region 2 Relief Fund.
Like many other areas around the world, portions of R2 are situated in areas that are subject to numerous
hurricanes, severe storms, floods, earthquakes and other types of natural disasters. During some of these natural
disasters, Region 2 national amateur radio societies have suffered severe or extreme damage to their society
stations and buildings, including antenna systems. The societies in Region 2 felt there was a need for a process
of collecting donations and distributing donations to Region 2 Member Societies who have suffered damage to
their national society stations or buildings that are due to natural disaster.
The resolution passed unanimously by the Region societies at the conference directed that funds accumulated in
the Region 2 Relief Fund shall be distributed by the R2 Executive Committee solely to assist Region 2 Member
Societies for repairing or rebuilding stations and buildings, including antenna systems, because of damages
resulting from natural disasters. Member Societies that receive funds from the Region 2 Relief Fund must
provide a report with the R2 Executive Committee detailing for the use of such funds. The conference set aside
an initial 5,000 USD for the fund.
In February of this year, Chile suffered a severe earthquake which registered 8.8 on the Richter scale. The
headquarters station for the Chilean member-society, Radio Club de Chile, suffered major damage to its
building and its antenna system. RCCH asked the R2 EC for monetary assistance from the R2 Relief Fund and
the R2 EC agreed to assist the society with funds to help repair its HQ building and antenna system.
This is an excellent example of the IARU stepping in to help one of its member-societies in a time of need.
If your national society would like to assist the RCCH with a donation, please contact the Region 2 Secretary,
Ramon Santoyo XE1KK at xe1kk@iaru.org.
IARU Questions Whether Certain Member-Societies Still Exist
At the IARU Administrative Council meeting in October, 2009, a procedure was adopted to deal with the
situation of non-existent or non-functioning member-societies. Under this newly adopted procedure, if the
IARU regional organization determines that there is no evidence of the continued existence of the society for a
period of 5 years then the regional organization may request that the Administrative Council publish a notice in
the IARU Calendar its belief that the society has ceased to exist and calling for the submission of any evidence
to the contrary within 180 days of such publication. If no evidence of the continued existence is presented to
the AC within the 180-day period then that Member-Society shall be deemed to no longer exist. After that, if
there is an amateur organization within the country that believes it can perform the duties of an IARU MemberSociety then it can apply for IARU membership.
Three IARU Member-Societies in Region 3 will be listed in the IARU Calendar number 189 that fall within
this category of non-existent or non-functioning societies. They are: Papua New Guinea (PNGARS), French
Polynesia (CORA) and Burma (BARTS). IARU Calendar number 189 will likely be published about the same
time this E-Letter is received.
IARU Operating Award for Worked All Continents (WAC)
The IARU issues Worked-All-Continents certificates to amateur radio stations around the world that work all
six continental areas.
Qualification for the WAC award is based on an examination by the International Secretariat, or a membersociety, of the IARU of QSL cards that the applicant has received from other amateur stations in each of the six
continental areas of the world. All contacts must be made from the same country or separate territory within the
same continental area of the world.
All QSL cards (no photocopies) must show the mode and/or band for any endorsement applied for.
Contacts made on 10/18/24 MHz or via satellites are void for the 5-band certificate and 6-band endorsement.
All contacts for the QRP endorsement must be made on or after January 1, 1985 while running a maximum
power of 5 watts output or 10 watts input.
For amateurs in the United States and in an area without IARU representation, the WAC application forms are
available in MS Word and Adobe PDF format. Once completed, applications should be directed to the WAC
Awards Manager, ARRL, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT USA 06111. After verification, the cards will be
returned and the award sent soon afterward. Also, approved DXCC card checkers can verify WAC program
applications. For the latest list of DXCC card checkers visit www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc. There is a $13.00 fee
for US applicants. Sufficient return postage, or, a self-addressed stamped envelope, is required for the return of
QSL cards. US amateurs must have current ARRL membership. At the present time credits in the ARRL
LogBook of The World (LoTW) system cannot be claimed for WAC credit. Applicants who have a current
DXCC award in the DXCC computer system can apply for WAC by completing the WAC application form and
sending it to the address noted above, listing credits to be claimed on the application form. In this case QSL
cards are not required. Send questions to wac@arrl.org.
For all other amateurs, applicants must be members of their national amateur radio societies affiliated with
IARU, and apply through the society.
-----------------------------------------------If you have any information that would be appropriate to publish in this electronic newsletter, please contact me
at w6rod@iaru.org.
Rod Stafford W6ROD
IARU Secretary
IARU E-LETTER
IARU Electronic Newsletter
January, 2011
In this Issue:
The ITU - International Telecommunication Union
______________________________________________________________________________
ITU
If you were to ask most amateur radio operators what entity is responsible for granting privileges to use portions
of the radio spectrum for amateur radio purposes the answer would likely be their own national
telecommunication authority. However, that's only partially true. The ultimate authority for the use of the radio
spectrum is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It is desirable that each amateur radio operator
understand what the ITU is and why its work and decisions are important.
Most countries are Member States of the ITU and by way of treaty generally agree to be bound by the decisions
of the ITU when it comes to the usage of the radio spectrum. Each country can decide that a certain use
determined by the ITU may not apply in their own jurisdiction. It is not common for countries to do that but it
is within their sovereign authority to do so.
The International Telecommunications Union is a United Nations agency that deals with information and
communications technology issues. They have an extensive web site at www.itu.int that details much of their
work. The ITU is based in Geneva, Switzerland and includes in its membership 192 Member States and more
than 700 Sector Members and Associates.
ITU has coordinated the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoted international cooperation in
assigning satellite orbits, worked to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world,
established the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications
systems and addressed other global concerns, such as mitigating climate change and strengthening
cybersecurity.
The top staff official of the ITU is its Secretary-General, Dr. Hamadoun Toure who is also a licensed radio
amateur with the call sign HB9EHT. There are three sectors in the ITU: Radio- communication (ITU-R),
Development (ITU-D) and Standardization (ITU-T). The IARU is a Sector Member in both the ITU-R Sector
and the ITU-D Sector. The IARU fully participates in both of those sectors by attending any and all meetings
that involve issues that may impact the amateur or the amateur-satellite services. The Secretary-General, the
Deputy Secretary-General and the Directors of the three ITU Sectors are elected to four-year terms by the
Member States at Plenipotentiary Conferences held every four years. The IARU is a recognized international
telecommunication organization and is invited to participate as an observer at the Plenipotentiary Conferences.
The most recent "Plenipot" was held in October, 2011 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The ITU Council was established in 1947 under the name Administrative Council, following a decision taken
by the 1947 Plenipotentiary Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States. The Council comprises a
maximum of 25% of the total number of Member States, which are elected by the Conference with due regard
to the need for equitable distribution of Council seats among the five world regions (Americas, Western Europe,
Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia). The current Council is comprised of 48 members.
The role of Council is to consider, in the interval between Plenipotentiary Conferences, broad
telecommunication policy issues to ensure that the Union's activities, policies and strategies fully respond to
today's dynamic, rapidly changing telecommunications environment. It also prepares a report on the policy and
strategic planning of the ITU. In addition, Council is responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of
the Union, coordinating work programs, approving budgets and controlling finances and expenditures. Finally,
Council also takes all steps to facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the ITU Constitution, the ITU
Convention, the Administrative Regulations (International Telecommunications Regulations and Radio
Regulations), the decisions of Plenipotentiary Conferences and, where appropriate, the decisions of other
conferences and meetings of the Union. The IARU has attended several ITU Council meetings in the recent
past.
The ITU-R Sector is very important for radiocommunication services, including the amateur and amateursatellite services. Every 4 or 5 years the ITU holds a World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) to revise
the international Radio Regulations. It is the job of WRC to review, and, if necessary, revise the Radio
Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationarysatellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits. Revisions are made on the basis of an agenda determined by the
ITU Council, which takes into account recommendations made by previous world radiocommunication
conferences. The general scope of the agenda of world radiocommunication conferences is established four to
six years in advance, with the final agenda set by the ITU Council two years before the conference, with the
concurrence of a majority of Member States. The next WRC is scheduled for 23 January to 17 February 2012,
just one year away.
Under the terms of the ITU Constitution, a WRC can:
1. revise the Radio Regulations and any associated Frequency assignment and allotment Plans;
2. address any radiocommunication matter of worldwide character;
3. instruct the Radio Regulations Board and the Radiocommunication Bureau, and review their activities;
4. determine Questions for study by the Radiocommunication Assembly and its Study Groups in preparation for
future Radiocommunication Conferences.
There is a lengthy preparatory process for every WRC in which the IARU participates as a Sector Member.
There are usually countless meetings dealing with each agenda item that has been determined to be on the
agenda for a WRC. Many of those agenda items can, and do, have a substantial impact on the amateur radio
usage of portions of the radio spectrum. It is important for the IARU to participate to "protect our frequencies"
and when the opportunity presents itself, to expand our spectrum.
ITU-R Study Groups and Working Parties address each agenda item on the WRC agenda and try to arrive at a
consensus and recommendation(s) how the agenda item may be addressed or dealt with at the WRC. Studies
are conducted many times to determine how a proposed new usage may impact the other services, or not. Each
of these agenda items are thoroughly discussed for at least a couple of years leading up to the WRC. You can
imagine how important it is for the worldwide amateur community that IARU participate in the entire study
group/working party process.
ITU-D is where much of the ITU's work on disaster response takes place. The development arm of the ITU
considers emergency telecommunications an integral part of its projects integrating
telecommunications/information and communication technology in disaster predication, detection, and alerting.
Emergency Telecommunications play a critical role in the immediate aftermath of disasters by ensuring timely
flow of vital information which is much needed by government agencies, and other humanitarian actors that are
involved in rescue operations and providing medical assistance to the injured. IARU's task in the ITU-D Sector
is to ensure that amateur radio's role in disaster communications is understood and appreciated by the ITU
members. The ITU-D Sector also conducts a worldwide conference. The current schedule calls for a World
Telecommunication Development Conference every 4 years. In 2010, the WTDC was held in Hyderabad, India
in late May and early June. IARU participated in the conference.
The ITU also sponsors regional and global exhibitions called TELECOMS. An ITU Telecom offers a global
ICT community platform that gathers stakeholders from across the telecommunications/ICT sector to connect,
collaborate and create the future ICT landscape. Forums or seminars related to ICT are conducted at the
Telecoms and IARU has participated in such forums, usually on topics related to emergency communications.
In one of the ITU buildings, there is a permanent amateur radio station, 4U1ITU. 4U1ITU is the club station of
the International Amateur Radio Club.
In an upcoming IARU E-Letter, I will describe the organization of IARU and how it works within the ITU and
the regional telecommunication organizations like CEPT, CITEL and APT to ensure amateur radio's continued
place in the radio spectrum landscape.
73, Rod W6ROD
______________________________________________________
How To Subscribe to This E-Letter
If you receive this E-Letter from your club or some other source and you are an ARRL member, you
can subscribe to this E-Letter directly on the ARRL web site. When you log into the ARRL web site,
go to the page where you can edit your profile and edit the email subscriptions that are available.
Or, you can send an email to secretary@iaru.org requesting that you be added to the distribution list.
___________________________________________________
If you have any information that would be appropriate to publish in this electronic newsletter, please contact me
at w6rod@iaru.org.
Rod Stafford W6ROD
IARU Secretary
___________________________________________________________________________
The IARU E-Letter is published on behalf of the Administrative Council of the International Amateur Radio
Union by the IARU International Secretariat. Editor: Rod Stafford, W6ROD, IARU Secretary.
Material from The IARU E-Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without
additional permission. Credit must be given to The IARU E-Letter and The International Amateur Radio Union.
IARU E-LETTER
The International Amateur Radio Union
IARU Electronic Newsletter
15 September 2012
____________________________________________________________
In this Issue:
WRC-12: A Review and A Look Ahead to WRC-15
WRC-12 (World Radiocommunication Conference 2012) is history and with the passage of several months it is
appropriate to look back at the results achieved for and on behalf of amateur radio worldwide and to look ahead
at what WRC-15 has in store for amateur radio.
Agenda Item 1.23. An important amateur radio agenda item for WRC-12 was “to consider an allocation of
about 15 kHz in parts of the band 415-526.5 kHz to the amateur service on a secondary basis, taking into
account the need to protect existing services.”
In 2007, when the agenda items were tentatively set for WRC-12 and later when they were finalized by the ITU
Council, there seemed to be much resistance to such an allocation by other radio spectrum users. All through
the many preparatory meetings leading up to WRC-12 the resistance remained more or less steadfast. There
were a number of administrations who were determined to oppose an amateur allocation in order to protect
aeronautical navigation operating within the band in question.
However, as WRC-12 began there were a sizable number of administrations who were in favor of granting an
amateur allocation in the band and there were 3 methods proposed to “satisfy” the agenda item. Two of the
proposals provided for a secondary allocation and the third was NOC, or No Change.
At the end of the first week of the WRC, little progress within the sub-working group (SWG 4C3) dealing with
the agenda item seemed to have been made on arriving at a solution to the conflicting points of view of granting
an allocation and No Change. A drafting group was formed with the idea of consolidating the proposals in
favor of an allocation and at the same time trying to accommodate some of the concerns of the administrations
in favor of NOC. A compromise draft proposal for a secondary allocation at 472-479 kHz with footnote
provisions to protect existing services resulted in a few of the NOC administrations approving the compromise.
Not all of the NOC administrations changed their view however and the output of the sub-working group
produced 2 options: a secondary amateur allocation at 472-479 kHz in a large portion of the world with EIRP
limit of 5 watts and further limited to 1 watt within 800 km of specified countries (Option 1) and the still
present NOC (Option 2).
Discussions within Working Group 4C failed to resolve the divergent views and the 2 options moved to the next
higher level, Working Group 4. Owing to the effective and strong leadership skills of the WG 4 Chairman,
Option 1 was adopted by WG 4 and was passed on to the Plenary for 2 mandatory readings before adoption.
Option 1 ultimately passed through the required 2 readings and was declared adopted.
So as a result of the Final Acts of WRC-12, amateur radio has a new secondary allocation as set out in Option 1
above. The new allocation becomes effective on January 1, 2013 but amateurs will have to await action by their
own national telecommunication authorities to establish when access will be given to the band.
There was another agenda item that could have had a negative impact or effect on amateur radio worldwide
depending on how the WRC decided the issue. WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.15 was "to consider possible
allocations in the range 3-50 MHz to the radiolocation service for oceanographic radar applications."
Quite a lot of preparatory work had been done in ITU-R WP5A over the last 4+ years to prove that HF radars
are not compatible with operations of the amateur radio service. As a consequence, no proposals were approved
at WRC to place the oceanographic radar into any of the amateur radio bands. Proposals for radiolocation
services in the 5250-5450 kHz portion of the bands was finally squeezed into 5250-5275 kHz.
WRC-12 was a very successful WRC from the amateur radio perspective. Within 45 days, the IARU
Administrative Council will meet and will address the WRC-15 agenda items with an eye to building the best
strategy to deal with those agenda items in a way most favorable to amateur radio worldwide.
WRC-15 Agenda Item 1.4 is "to consider possible new allocation to the amateur service on a secondary basis
with the band 5250-5450 kHz in accordance with Resolution 649 (WRC-12)." A great deal of IARU time and
effort will obviously be expended in support achieving this agenda item.
With seemingly everyone around the world gaining some degree of broadband access, the search for radio
spectrum to satisfy the needs for mobile connectivity will become even more intense as we draw closer to
WRC-15. Agenda Item 1.1 is "to consider additional spectrum allocations to the mobile service on a primary
basis and identification of additional frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and
related regulatory provisions, to facilitate the development of terrestrial mobile broadband applications, in
accordance with Resolution 233 (WRC-12)." National telecommunication authorities around the world and the
ITU are in search of spectrum to fill these mobile connectivity requirements. As this agenda item develops, the
IARU will be there to maintain the amateur radio spectrum.
Other WRC-15 Agenda Items the IARU will be closely monitoring include the following:
AI 1.6.1: "to consider possible additional primary allocations to the fixed satellite service (Earth-to-space and
space-to-Earth) of 250 MHz in the range between 10 GHz and 17 GHz in Region 1."
AI 1.10: "to consider spectrum requirements and possible additional spectrum allocations for the mobilesatellite service in the Earth-to-space and space-to-Earth directions, including the satellite component for
broadband applications, including International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), within the frequency range
from 22 GHz to 26 GHz, in accordance with Resolution 234 (WRC-12)."
AI 1.18: "to consider a primary allocation to the radiolocation service for automotive applications in the 77.578.0 GHz frequency band in accordance with Resolution 654 (WRC-12)."
A lot of radio amateurs are aware of the increasing use of amateur spectrum by small satellites, mainly by
universities. It is becoming an increasingly difficult situation to accommodate the number of small, noncommercial satellites within the amateur bands. These education based satellites do not really fit within the
definition of the amateur service but have been accommodated there. These small satellites are categorized as
nanosatellites (between 1 and 10 kg) and picosatellites (less than 1 kg). The ITU is trying to deal with this issue
in an orderly manner and a "preliminary" WRC-18 agenda item is to consider whether these satellite operations
can be accommodated in an already crowded radio spectrum.
As these issues develop, the IARU will keep Member-Societies aware of developments and how the MemberSocieties can assist for the benefit of amateur radio.
Distribution Of This E-Letter
This electronic newsletter is sent to many IARU member-societies headquarters around the world. Individual
amateurs should encourage their IARU national society to forward the newsletter to its own members. The
newsletter can also be read and downloaded from the IARU web site at www.iaru.org.
If you are an ARRL member, you can subscribe to this E-Letter directly on the ARRL web site. When you log
into the ARRL web site, go to the page where you can edit your profile and choose the electronic newsletter
options that are available.
If you have any information that would be appropriate to publish in this electronic newsletter, please contact me
at w6rod@iaru.org.
Rod Stafford W6ROD
IARU Secretary
The IARU E-Letter is published on behalf of the Administrative Council of the International Amateur Radio
Union by the IARU International Secretariat. Editor: Rod Stafford, W6ROD, IARU Secretary. Material from
The IARU E-Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional
permission. Credit must be given to The IARU E-Letter and The International Amateur Radio Union.
IARU E-LETTER
The International Amateur Radio Union
IARU Electronic Newsletter
29 May 2013
____________________________________________________________
In this Issue:
IARU Administrative Council Authorizes Distribution of
IARU Positions on WRC-15 Agenda Items
Address Change for U.S. 4th Call Area QSL Bureau
___________________________________________________________________________
IARU Positions on WRC-15 Agenda Items
During a teleconference in mid-May, the IARU Administrative Council authorized the distribution of a paper
which sets forth the IARU positions on the agenda items that will be considered during the World
Radiocommunication Conference in 2015. The agenda items that impact amateur radio and amateur-satellite
services including the IARU position on each of those agenda items are set out below:
IARU Positions on WRC-15 Agenda Items
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) is a federation of national amateur radio associations in more
than 160 countries and is the international organization recognized by the ITU under CV 231 to represent the
interests of the more than three million licensees in amateur and amateur-satellite services. The IARU is a
Sector Member of the ITU Radiocommunication and Telecommunication Development Sectors.
To facilitate experimentation and communication by amateurs, that is, by duly authorized persons interested in
radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest (No. 1.56), the amateur and amateursatellite services have been afforded frequency allocations at intervals throughout the radio spectrum from as
low as 135.7 kHz to as high as 250 GHz.
The IARU has reviewed the agenda for the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference contained in
Resolution 807 (WRC-12). Some of the existing amateur and amateur-satellite service allocations, and in
particular most of those between 225 MHz and 24 GHz, are on a secondary basis to other existing services. In
general, the amateur services have been able to make constructive use of these secondary allocations without
causing harmful interference to primary services. When allocations to new services in a band that is presently
allocated to the amateur services are being considered it is important that the existing and likely future uses of
the band by the amateur services be taken into account, whether the amateur service allocation is on a primary
or a secondary basis.
The IARU has adopted the following positions with regard to the agenda items that are relevant to the amateur
and amateur-satellite services.
Agenda Item 1.1 – “to consider additional spectrum allocations to the mobile service on a primary basis and
identification of additional frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and related
regulatory provisions, to facilitate the development of terrestrial mobile broadband applications, in accordance
with Resolution 233 (WRC-12);”
IARU Position: The IARU recognizes that there is great pressure on the portion of the radio spectrum that is
best suited for terrestrial mobile broadband applications. The amateur service allocations between 450 MHz and
6 GHz are all on a secondary basis to other existing services. The amateur-satellite service allocations in this
frequency range are on either a secondary or a not-to-interfere basis.
The existing allocations to the amateur service in this frequency range are 902-928 MHz (in Region 2), 12401300 MHz, 2300-2450 MHz, 3300-3500 MHz (in Regions 2 and 3 along with 3400-3475 MHz in certain
countries in Region 1), and 5650-5925 MHz (5650-5850 MHz in Regions 1 and 3).
The existing allocations to the amateur-satellite service in this frequency range are 1260-1270 MHz (Earth-tospace only), 2400-2450 MHz, 3400-3410 MHz (in Regions 2 and 3 only), 5650-5670 MHz (Earth-to-space
only), and 5830-5850 MHz (space-to-Earth only).
The identification of 2300-2400 MHz for the possible implementation of IMT is already placing significant
constraints on the use of this band by amateurs. The band 3400-3500 MHz is already identified for the possible
implementation of IMT, subject to certain constraints, in a number of countries in Regions 1 and 3.
European Common Frequency Allocation Table Footnote EU17 provides: “In the sub-bands 3400-3410 MHz,
5660-5670 MHz, 10.36-10.37 GHz, 10.45-10.46 GHz the amateur service operates on a secondary basis. In
making assignments to other services, CEPT administrations are requested wherever possible to maintain these
sub-bands in such a way as to facilitate the reception of amateur emissions with minimal power flux densities.”
As consideration is given to the identification of additional frequency bands for IMT, or for the extension of
bands already so identified to additional countries or regions, care must be taken to maintain useful access to the
radio spectrum at suitable intervals by the amateur and amateur-satellite services.
Agenda Item 1.4 – “to consider possible new allocation to the amateur service on a secondary basis within the
band 5 250 - 5 450 kHz in accordance with Resolution 649 (WRC-12);”
IARU Position: The addition of a new allocation within the band 5250 – 5450 kHz is a high priority for the
amateur service. Resolution 649 (WRC-12) explains why:
Communications in the HF bands allocated to the amateur service play a major role in work to mitigate
catastrophes and in the delivery of communications in support of relief operations in areas where the
telecommunication infrastructure is weak or has collapsed.
Radiocommunication in the HF bands is dependent on propagation factors, with the result that frequencies in
different bands have to be used.
For amateur stations using typical antennas and power levels, it is important that the maximum usable
frequency (MUF) not be excessively above the operating frequency.
In the current allocations to the amateur service in the HF bands there is a significant gap between 4000 kHz
(3800 kHz in Region 1 and 3900 kHz in Region 3) and 7000 kHz, which causes problems in maintaining
communications when the MUF falls below 7 MHz.
Resolution 649 (WRC-12) invites WRC-15 to consider “the possibility of making an allocation of an
appropriate amount of spectrum, not necessarily contiguous, to the amateur service on a secondary basis within
the band 5 250-5 450 kHz” based on the results of ITU-R studies of spectrum requirements for the amateur
service and the impact to other services currently allocated in this band and adjacent bands.
In response to Agenda Item 1.15 WRC-12 created a new allocation of 5250-5275 kHz (among others) for the
radiolocation service, limited to oceanographic radars operating in accordance with Resolution 612 (Rev.WRC12). The CPM Report for WRC-12 concluded that for oceanographic radars, “Sharing with amateur,
broadcasting, and radio astronomy services seems to be difficult due to their protection requirements.” With
respect to sharing with the amateur service the difficulty arises mainly because the operation of an
oceanographic radar on a particular frequency is expected to be more or less continuous (see Recommendation
ITU-R M.1874-1), offering no opportunity for time-sharing. By contrast, the operation of an amateur station is
both intermittent in time and variable in frequency to adjust to changing propagation conditions and to avoid
interference.
In considering the “appropriate amount of spectrum” to the amateur service it should be borne in mind that the
administrations wishing to implement an amateur allocation domestically as well as the amateur operators
desiring to utilize it will benefit from there being the greatest possible flexibility afforded by the international
Table of Frequency Allocations.
An allocation to the amateur service within the band 5250-5450 kHz is envisioned to be on a secondary basis.
Stations of a secondary service must operate so as to avoid causing harmful interference to stations of primary
services. In the aftermath of a major natural disaster afflicting a region in which several languages are spoken
the IARU estimates that there could be a need for amateur networks in the 5 MHz band to use approximately 16
separate frequencies simultaneously, each with a bandwidth of approximately 3 kHz, in order to provide voice
and data communications. While this suggests that an “appropriate amount” of spectrum might be less than the
200 kHz suggested above, in such a situation the selection of operating frequencies by amateurs will be
constrained by the need to avoid frequencies occupied by stations of primary services.
Further, as amateur communication increasingly uses digital modes of emission, inter-symbol distortion caused
by multipath propagation requires choice of an operating frequency as near as possible to the MUF.
Accordingly, the IARU requests that consideration be given to a secondary allocation of as much spectrum as
possible within the band 5250-5450 kHz.
Agenda Item 1.6.1 – “(to consider possible additional primary allocations) to the fixed-satellite service (Earthto space and space-to-Earth) of 250 MHz in the range between 10 GHz and 17 GHz in Region 1;”
IARU Position: The band 10.0-10.5 GHz is allocated to the amateur service on a secondary basis. It is a
popular band for amateur experimentation, investigation of propagation phenomena, and point-to-point
communication between networked repeater stations.
The band 10.45-10.5 GHz is allocated to the amateur-satellite service on a secondary basis. Owing to the
popularity of the 10.0-10.5 GHz band for terrestrial amateur communication, increased use of this allocation for
amateur satellite communication is anticipated.
European Common Frequency Allocation Table Footnote EU17 provides: “In the sub-bands 3400-3410 MHz,
5660-5670 MHz, 10.36-10.37 GHz, 10.45-10.46 GHz the amateur service operates on a secondary basis. In
making assignments to other services, CEPT administrations are requested wherever possible to maintain these
sub-bands in such a way as to facilitate the reception of amateur emissions with minimal power flux densities.”
The IARU requests that existing and future use of this band be taken into account and continue to be provided
for.
Agenda Item 1.10 – “to consider spectrum requirements and possible additional spectrum allocations for the
mobile-satellite service in the Earth-to-space and space-to-Earth directions, including the satellite component
for broadband applications, including International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), within the frequency
range from 22 GHz to 26 GHz, in accordance with Resolution 234 (WRC-12);”
IARU Position: Above 440 MHz, the band 24.0-24.05 GHz is the lowest frequency primary allocation to the
amateur and amateur-satellite services. The next lowest primary allocation is at 47.0-47.2 GHz. The 24.0524.25 GHz band is allocated to the amateur service on a secondary basis. While the designation of the 24.024.25 GHz band for ISM applications and the high water vapor absorption at this order of frequency create
challenges, amateurs are actively pursuing experimentation in this band. Maintaining the primary allocation and
assuring that any new services introduced into the band are compatible with the amateur and amateur-satellite
services is essential for the continuing contribution by radio amateurs to the body of experience and knowledge
of microwave equipment construction, operation, and propagation research.
Agenda Item 1.12 – “to consider an extension of the current worldwide allocation to the Earth explorationsatellite (active) service in the frequency band 9 300 - 9 900 MHz by up to 600 MHz with the frequency bands 8
700 - 9 300 MHz and/or 9 900 - 10 500 MHz, in accordance with Resolution 652 (WRC-12);”
IARU Position: As noted under Agenda Item 1.6.1, the band 10.0-10.5 GHz is allocated to the amateur service
on a secondary basis. It is a popular band for amateur experimentation, investigation of propagation phenomena,
and point-to-point communication between networked repeater stations.
The band 10.45-10.5 GHz is allocated to the amateur-satellite service on a secondary basis. Owing to the
popularity of the 10.0-10.5 GHz band for terrestrial amateur communication, increased use of this allocation for
amateur satellite communication is anticipated.
The IARU requests that existing and future use of this band be taken into account and continue to be provided
for. An illustration of how this can be accomplished is found in Recommendation ITU-R RS.1260-1; see No.
5.279A which applies to the use of the band 432-438 MHz by the Earth exploration-satellite service (active).
Agenda Item 1.18 – “to consider a primary allocation to the radiolocation service for automotive applications
in the 77.5 - 78.0 GHz frequency band in accordance with Resolution 654 (WRC-12);” and
IARU Position: Currently the only primary incumbent services in the band 77.5-78.0 GHz are the amateur and
amateur-satellite services. These services also have secondary allocations in the adjacent bands of 76.0-77.5
GHz and 78.0-81.5 GHz. Amateur experimentation in the band is ongoing.
When allocations to services between 71 GHz and 84 GHz were made for the first time at WARC-79, the
amateur and amateur-satellite services received a primary and exclusive allocation of 75.5-76.0 GHz and a
secondary allocation of 76.0-81.0 GHz. The allocation of 75.5-76.0 GHz was withdrawn at WRC-2000 and as
compensation the band 77.5-78.0 GHz was upgraded to primary and No. 5.561A was added, creating a new
secondary allocation to the amateur services at 81.0-81.5 GHz.
The IARU acknowledges that there are significant benefits to be gained from worldwide standards for
technologies such as automotive radars. However, automotive radars are classic examples of short- range
devices (SRDs) for which, in general, allocations are neither essential nor appropriate.
Should a primary allocation to the radiolocation service for automotive applications nonetheless be added to the
77.5 – 78.0 GHz frequency band, the IARU earnestly requests that the primary allocation to the amateur and
amateur-satellite services be maintained; or, in the alternative, that a suitable replacement allocation be provided
on a primary basis within the band 71 – 84 GHz.
Agenda Item 8 – “to consider and take appropriate action on requests from administrations to delete their
country footnotes or to have their country name deleted from footnotes, if no longer required, taking into
account Resolution 26 (Rev.WRC-07);”
IARU Position: There are a number of country footnotes that apply to amateur service allocations, some of
which appear to be obsolete. In particular, the IARU invites the administrations listed in Nos. 5.98, 5.99, 5.102,
5.119, and 5.122 relating to the bands 1810-1830 kHz, 1850-2000 kHz, 3500-3750 kHz, and 3750-4000 kHz to
consider proposing the deletion of their country names from these footnotes.
Agenda Item 9.1.4 – Updating and rearrangement of the Radio Regulations (Resolution 67 (WRC-12))
IARU Position: The scope of ITU-R “studies for possible updating, review and possible revision of outdated
information” in the Radio Regulations envisioned by Resolution 67 (WRC-12) does not exclude Article 25,
Amateur services. Article 25 was last revised by WRC-03 and is not reviewed for possible revision on a
regular basis.
Article 25 includes restrictions on communications by amateur stations on behalf of third parties that are clearly
outdated in view of the vast array of telecommunications alternatives now available to individuals. Specifically,
No. 25.3 states: “Amateur stations may be used for transmitting international communications on behalf of third
parties only in case of emergencies or disaster relief. An administration may determine the applicability of this
provision to amateur stations under its jurisdiction.”
Restrictions on international communications by amateur stations on behalf of third parties date to the 1932
International Radiotelegraph Conference held in Madrid and originally were intended to protect the revenues of
telecommunications monopolies and to discourage “uneconomic bypass” of common carriers. Such concerns
are no longer relevant, and No. 25.2 is sufficient to protect the non-commercial nature of the amateur service.
No. 25.2 reads: “Transmissions between amateur stations of different countries shall be limited to
communications incidental to the purposes of the amateur service, as defined in No. 1.56 and to remarks of a
personal character.”
In the absence of a determination by an administration that the limitation on international communications on
behalf of third parties to cases of emergencies or disaster relief does not apply to amateur stations under its
jurisdiction, amateurs under the jurisdiction of that administration as well as amateurs communicating with
them from other jurisdictions are prohibited from conducting even the most mundane and routine
communication on behalf of friends, family members and the general public. This has a chilling effect on
demonstrations of the amateur service to the public as well as on training exercises to develop skills for use in
emergencies and disaster relief.
Accordingly, the IARU supports the revision of No. 25.3 to read: “Amateur stations may be used for
transmitting international communications on behalf of third parties consistent with No. 25.2 as well as in case
of emergencies or disaster relief.”
Agenda Item 9.1.8 – Regulatory aspects for nanosatellites and picosatellites (Resolution 757 (WRC-12))
Resolution 757 calls for the results of studies of the procedures for notifying space networks that presently
apply to nanosatellites and picosatellites to be reported to WRC-15. Because of the possible implications of
these studies for the amateur and amateur-satellite services, the IARU is following the progress of these studies
attentively. Nanosatellites and picosatellites that are properly licensed in the amateur-satellite service and are
operated consistent with the purposes of the amateur and amateur-satellite services as defined in Nos. 1.56 and
1.57 may utilize the provisions of Resolution 642.
----------All IARU member-societies are encouraged to meet with their telecommunication authorities to discuss the
WRC-15 Agenda Items and to gain support from their telecom authorities for the IARU positions.
___________________________________________________________________________
United States W4, K4 and N4 QSL Bureau Address Change
The Carolina DX Association has announced the new address for the W4, K4 and N4 QSL Bureau. The new
postal address is:
W4, K4, N4 QSL Bureau
631-200B Brawley School Rd
PMB # 305
Mooresville, NC 28117 USA
The Carolina DX Association is the sponsoring organization for this bureau effective January 2013.
73, Rod W6ROD
Distribution Of This E-Letter
This electronic newsletter is sent to many IARU member-societies headquarters around the world. Individual
amateurs should encourage their IARU national society to forward the newsletter to its own members. The
newsletter can also be read and downloaded from the IARU web site at www.iaru.org.
If you are an ARRL member, you can subscribe to this E-Letter directly on the ARRL web site. When you log
into the ARRL web site, go to the page where you can edit your profile and choose the electronic newsletter
options that are available.
If you have any information that would be appropriate to publish in this electronic newsletter, please contact me
at w6rod@iaru.org.
Rod Stafford W6ROD
IARU Secretary
The IARU E-Letter is published on behalf of the Administrative Council of the International Amateur Radio
Union by the IARU International Secretariat. Editor: Rod Stafford, W6ROD, IARU Secretary. Material from
The IARU E-Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional
permission. Credit must be given to The IARU E-Letter and The International Amateur Radio Union.