New License Applicants Must Get FRN Before Taking Exam

As of May 20, everyone taking an amateur radio license exam must provide examiners with their FCC Registration Number, or FRN, before taking the test. Current hams and other FCC licensees will already have one, but prospective amateurs must sign up for a number ahead of time. The process is simple: Go to the FCC's website at <https://tinyurl.com/njmmjjbv>, follow the prompts and fill out the form.

The ARRL notes that you will need this number after taking your test to log into the FCC website to print out your license, which the Commission no longer sends in the mail. In addition, as of June 29, all amateur applications will be required to include a valid e-mail address.

FCC Considers UHF/Microwave Ham Bands for Commercial Space Launch Frequencies

The FCC in April issued a Report and Order allocating spectrum in the 2200-2290 MHz range for  private space travel and satellite launch companies to use for pre-launch testing and space launch operations. The order creates a non-federal secondary allocation for these uses in spectrum that is currently reserved exclusively for federal government use.

The action also includes a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which seeks comment on possible additional spectrum for private space launch purposes. Among the frequencies specifically mentioned are 420-430 MHz in the 70-centimter amateur band and 5650-5925 MHz, which is the 5-centimeter ham band. Amateur radio has a secondary allocation in each of these bands, and the NPRM made no mention of the bands' current occupants and/or whether they would be displaced. The 5.6-GHz band is already shared widely with home WiFi networks.

FCC Repeats Warning: Don't Use Radio for Illegal Activities

The FCC has reminded amateurs and users of other personal radio services that it is illegal to use radios in those services "to commit or facilitate criminal acts." A similar notices was issued on January 17 in the wake of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and in advance of the presidential inauguration on January 20. 

There was no indication in the April 20 "reminder" as to what prompted its issuance, as no major national events were scheduled around that time.