FCC Proposes to Fine Ham for Firefighting Interference
The Federal Communications Commission is proposing to fine an amateur radio operator for alleged interference with firefighting efforts in Idaho last year.
It said Jason Frawley, WA7CQ, apparently interfered with radio communications that were guiding fire suppression aircraft working the “Johnson fire” near Elk River. Frawley later told the FCC he was only trying to help.
The $34,000 fine would the largest of its kind, the commission said in issuing its notice of apparent liability. All four commissioners approved the NAL. Frawley now has the opportunity to respond, and the FCC would then consider final action.
Ham radio group receives national recognition
(ABC 6 News) – A ham radio group in Iowa is being recognized for their work, both on and off the airwaves.
You may not know it, but amateur radio or ham radio operators play a big part in our lives. They work with the National Weather Service during severe weather and also assist with disasters like wildfires and emergencies like search and rescue operations.
The Northland Amateur Communications group was named the top ‘non-profit’ in the state through a poll on the site ‘great non-profits’.
The group is being recognized for raising money for various charities like Alzheimer’s research, Walk MS, and RAGBRAI.
Fostering connections around the Sound, around the world
Mikel Edwards initially became interested in amateur, or ham radio, more out of necessity than anything else.
Edwards owns an off-the-grid cabin that has no cellular service or electricity. But with ham radio, Edwards is able to communicate with fellow amateur radio operators.
Ham radio uses the radio frequency spectrum for the non-commercial exchange of messages, private recreation, and emergency communications.
“I can communicate 40, 50 miles from my cabin in the event there was a forest fire or some other kind of emergency,” Edwards said.
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