Concluding that
current rules prohibiting encryption on most amateur radio transmissions are
not "impairing the ability of the Amateur Radio community to provide
effective support to public safety agencies during emergencies," the FCC
in mid-September dismissed a petition that sought approval for encrypting
certain personal information in emergencies or emergency drills. Don Rolph,
AB1PH, had submitted the petition, claiming that the ban on encryption prevented
hams from transmitting individuals' medical data on behalf of served agencies,
thus reducing the effectiveness of amateur radio emergency communications.
The FCC said it
received over 300 comments on the petition and that they were against the proposal
by a 2-1 margin. The commission concluded that "while the proposal could
advance one purpose of the Amateur Radio Service - (emergency communications) -
it would undermine other characteristics and purposes of the service."
