The
number of applications for new amateur radio licenses in the first three months
of 2012 was 30% higher than for the same period last year, according to the
ARRL. There were over 7500 new FCC licenses issued between January 1 and March
31, 2012, according to the League, significantly outpacing the 5800 new
licenses issued in the first quarter of 2011. However, this is still below the
first-quarter total for 2010, which was just over 8200. Nonetheless, the ranks
of amateur radio licensees in the U.S. remains at an all-time high, with the
total now exceeding 704,000. ARRL/VEC Manager Maria Sommer, AB1FM, also noted
in the ARRL Letter that the number of license upgrades was also up this
year versus last year, although not so dramatically, rising 6% from 2011.
Technicians, Generals and Extras all are at all-time highs.
News and information of interest to ham radio operators from CQ Amateur Radio magazine, the world's leading independent ham radio magazine.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
ARRL: Ham Ranks Keep Growing in Early 2012
The
number of applications for new amateur radio licenses in the first three months
of 2012 was 30% higher than for the same period last year, according to the
ARRL. There were over 7500 new FCC licenses issued between January 1 and March
31, 2012, according to the League, significantly outpacing the 5800 new
licenses issued in the first quarter of 2011. However, this is still below the
first-quarter total for 2010, which was just over 8200. Nonetheless, the ranks
of amateur radio licensees in the U.S. remains at an all-time high, with the
total now exceeding 704,000. ARRL/VEC Manager Maria Sommer, AB1FM, also noted
in the ARRL Letter that the number of license upgrades was also up this
year versus last year, although not so dramatically, rising 6% from 2011.
Technicians, Generals and Extras all are at all-time highs.