SB QST @ ARL $ARLB039   
   ARLB039 Rule Making Petition to FCC Calls for Vanity Call Sign Rule Changes   
      
   ZCZC AG39   
   QST de W1AW   
   ARRL Bulletin 39  ARLB039   
   > From ARRL Headquarters   
   Newington CT  October 27, 2016   
   To all radio amateurs   
      
   SB QST ARL ARLB039   
   ARLB039 Rule Making Petition to FCC Calls for Vanity Call Sign Rule Changes   
      
   The FCC is inviting comments on a Petition for Rule Making (RM-11775) from a   
   Nevada radio amateur that seeks changes to the rules governing the Amateur   
   Radio Vanity Call Sign Program. Christopher LaRue, W4ADL, of North Las Vegas,   
   is proposing that any licensee obtaining a vanity call sign be required to   
   keep it for the full license term. LaRue contends in his petition that   
   excessive and frequent vanity call sign filings are hampering the ability of   
   other qualified licensees to obtain vanity call signs in one of the more   
   desirable 1 x 2 or 2 x 1 formats. LaRue said that since the FCC dropped the   
   fee to file for a vanity call sign, some applicants are taking advantage by   
   regularly obtaining new call signs, thereby keeping them out of circulation.   
      
   The petition can be found on the web in PDF format at, https://e   
   fsapi.fcc.gov/file/1004220986407/Petition%20.pdf .   
      
   "Some are changing call signs almost monthly, just to keep the newer code-free   
   Extra class operators from obtaining a shorter call sign," he said in his   
   petition. "I even saw an older operator that said he does it all the time and   
   has not even owned a radio in over 6 years. When I looked him up, he has had   
   16 different [call signs] in 18 months."   
      
   LaRue said his proposed minor rule change would require any licensee applying   
   for and obtaining an Amateur Radio vanity call sign "be required to keep it   
   for the duration of the license, which is   
   currently 10 years."   
      
   He said this would "alleviate a lot of the stress on the ULS system and   
   manpower requirements" at the FCC. "It will also keep inactive amateurs from   
   changing call signs regularly, thereby tying up call signs for 2 years after   
   dismissal of said call."   
      
   Interested parties may comment using the FCC Electronic Comment Filing System   
   (ECFS) at, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/ . Comments are due within 30 days of the   
   October 26 posting date.   
      
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