Shortwave Radio And The FCC

This is a rather lengthy section, but it covers a wide range of FCC information that is necessary for the amateur radio operator. Here you will find information about licensing, call signs, and much, much more.

Amateur Radio Services
Any qualified person of any age with an interest in amateur radio for personal uses, and doesn't have “pecuniary interest”, can take advantage of amateur and amateur satellite services, which include technical investigations, self-training and intercommunication. There are 27 small frequency bands especially for this service world wide. Approximately 1,300 digital, analog, spread spectrum and pulse emission types of signals can be sent.

There are millions of amateur radio operators all around the world who communicate with each other via amateur satellites and ad-hoc relay systems, swapping messages through voice, fax, television, telegraphy and teleprinting. If you are an amateur radio operator in an area where amateur services are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), you are required to have either an FCC or a Canadian license to do so.

No one amateur radio station may obtain exclusive rights to any frequency, as all frequencies are shared. In order to make the best use of frequencies, station control operators work together to choose transmitting channels. Station control operators also design, create, make changes to and maintain their stations themselves, and amateur station transmitters do not usually fall under the jurisdiction of the FCC equipment authorization program.