Urgent: How YOU Can Defend Our Ham Radio Spectrum!

How to Comment on the FCC’s Proposed Changes to the Ham Radio Spectrum: A Step-by-Step Guide

In our recent PSA video, we highlighted some significant proposed changes to the ham radio spectrum. If you haven’t seen it yet, watch the PSA video here. Your voice is crucial in defending our shared passion and interests. Here’s a concise guide on how to submit your comments to the FCC:

1. Understand the Situation:

• Watch Our PSA: If you haven’t already, start by watching our PSA video to get a clear understanding of the proposed changes.
• Proposed Changes:
  • Standardizing hearing frequencies into a 15 kilohertz band on 60 meters.
  • Reducing power from 100 watts to 15 watts.

2. Prepare Your Comments:

• Reflect on the key points from the PSA video and your experiences with the 60-meter band.
• Be thoughtful and respectful. Avoid being rude or overly aggressive.
• Focus on why the existing power and frequency allocations are essential, suggesting that any new frequency should be additive and not a replacement.

3. Access the FCC Comment Submission Page:

• Visit the specific link for the current proceeding (provided in the PSA video description or found on the FCC’s official website or you can click here).

4. Submit Your Comment:

• On the page, look for and select the option to “Submit an Express Filing”.
• Fill in your details:
  • Name: Your full name.
  • Email: For receipt confirmation.
  • Address & Zip Code: As required by the FCC.
• Provide Your Comments:
  • Enter your comments in the designated field.
  • Share your experiences, concerns, and suggestions about the 60-meter band.

Here is an example comment to get you started! You can change this to reflect your own feelings and experience operating with the 60m band:

“I am writing with regards to the proposed changes to the 60M amateur radio band.

As an avid amateur radio operator, I oppose changing the power allocation from 100 watts to 15 watts. This would reduce communications capability that is important for technological advancement and emergency communication on the amateur radio spectrum.

Also, because hams also have a legacy on the four other frequency allocations in the 60M band , we think this should be additive, not a replacement.  

We believe that this solution would best protect the interests of the United States amateur radio community as well as creating alignment with the international amateur radio community.”

5. Final Steps:

• Review Your Submission: Ensure all your information is accurate.
• Complete the CAPTCHA: This is for security purposes.
• Click “Submit”.

6. Confirmation:

• You’ll receive a confirmation screen indicating your comment has been successfully submitted.
• It’s a good practice to keep a record of your comment and the confirmation for future reference.

7. Stay Updated:

• Bookmark our website or subscribe to our channels. We’ll provide updates on spectrum defense and other critical issues affecting the ham radio community. And remember to check back for updates related to our PSA.

Your participation matters. The more ham radio enthusiasts that voice their opinions, the more effective our defense will be. Make your voice heard today!