The FCC has upheld a $17,000 fine against David Perka, KA3PRB, of Lewiston, Tennessee, for allegedly transmitting without a license on Marine Channel 16 and interfering with the U.S. Coast Guard. Newsline reports that the FCC says Perka admitted to not having a license in the Maritime Radio Service and that his transmissions were intentionally transmitted to harass the United States Coast Guard. The FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for $17,000 against Perka in 2009. He subsequently requested a reduction in the fine based on an inability to pay. However, in a September 2011 ruling, the FCC said Perka did not submit sufficient documentation to back up his claim and that considering the nature, circumstances, extent and gravity of the violation, it saw no reason to reduce the original penalty. No word on whether any action may be taken against Perka's amateur license.
News and information of interest to ham radio operators from CQ Amateur Radio magazine, the world's leading independent ham radio magazine.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tennessee Ham Fined for Marine Band Transmissions
The FCC has upheld a $17,000 fine against David Perka, KA3PRB, of Lewiston, Tennessee, for allegedly transmitting without a license on Marine Channel 16 and interfering with the U.S. Coast Guard. Newsline reports that the FCC says Perka admitted to not having a license in the Maritime Radio Service and that his transmissions were intentionally transmitted to harass the United States Coast Guard. The FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for $17,000 against Perka in 2009. He subsequently requested a reduction in the fine based on an inability to pay. However, in a September 2011 ruling, the FCC said Perka did not submit sufficient documentation to back up his claim and that considering the nature, circumstances, extent and gravity of the violation, it saw no reason to reduce the original penalty. No word on whether any action may be taken against Perka's amateur license.
