Amateur Radio Licenses Should Not Be a Lifetime Grant

Mark Krotz, N7MK, has petitioned the FCC to changes its rules and make Amateur Radio licenses valid for the holder’s lifetime, instead of the current 10 year term.

Krotz cites the lifetime status of both the General Radiotelephone Operator License and FAA’s Airman Certificates in support of his petition.

I believe there are serious flaws in Krotz’s proposal and filed Comments with the FCC in opposition.

Most comments to the Krotz proposal focus on the Vanity Call Sign program’s dependency on expired licenses. However, there is a problem with the current 10 year term: the Communication Act of 1934 states that station licenses may be granted for terms not exceeding 8 years.

If there were any movement towards reforming license terms, the Commission should shorten terms to 8 years from 10 years.

With an 8 year term, the pool of available call signs will turnover faster, making more call signs available for the Vanity Call Sign Program.

3 Responses

  1. So, you want to shorten the licence term so you have a crack at my callsign? Forget you, guy.

    • John says:

      He can’t “have a crack at” your call sign unless you let it expire. It’s not hard to keep your call sign active. It takes an internet connection and five minutes of your time. If your call sign isn’t worth five minutes of your time every 10 (or 8) years to you then what are you complaining about?
      I know many people who get their ham licenses and never ever use them. I’m glad that after 12 years they loose them. Yes, I’d rather see them use them than loose them but if they aren’t going to use them I’m glad that their call sign will go to someone who might.