Monday, May 1, 2017

Will 4U1UN Return to the Air?


The ARRL reports that representatives of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Amateur Radio Club are negotiating with the world body's Department of Public Information in an effort to get amateur station 4U1UN permanently back on the air. 

QSL card from the most recent activation of the United
Nations Headquarters ARC, as 4U70UN in 2015 to mark
the world body's 70th anniversary (from 4U1UN website)

The station operated from the U.N. Secretariat building from 1978 until 2010, when it was taken off the air to accommodate extensive building renovations. All antennas were removed from the roof and equipment was put into storage. While the renovations have been completed, a combination of logistical issues and security concerns have stymied efforts to return the station to the air, except for a brief temporary operation in 2015 to mark the U.N.'s 70th anniversary. Several options are being considered to allow the station to resume operations while satisfying the administration's concerns.