The 2023 ARRL DX CW results show FS/KO1A (IZ3EYZ) winning the SOAB Low Power
category over VP2V/AA7V. What caught my eye was a non-US citizen using a
US/FCC issued callsign operating from a French possession. Was that allowed
under CEPT?
I looked into this further. Under CEPT Recommendation TR/61 as amended
(https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Reciprocal%20operating%20forms/TR6101.pdf )
the CEPT rules specify an operator from a CEPT country must use the callsign
assigned in his or her home country when invoking a CEPT authorization in a
CEPT country. Both Italy and France are CEPT participants. In this case TR/61
says using FS/IZ3EYZ would be compliant.
USA CEPT rules (see https://www.arrl.org/cept) say a non-US citizen may use a
US issued callsign only while operating in the US or from a US Territory.
IZ3EYZ is not a US Citizen yet he used his US/FCC issued call while operating
outside the US (on French St. Martin).
It seems highly unlikely the French Government granted him special
authorization to use a US issued callsign on French Saint Martin in lieu of his
Italian call. He could have applied for a "TO" call and been totally legal.
So the questions: Was the use of FS/KO1A for this ARRL DX CW operation legal
under US CEPT rules governing the use of a US issued call? If not a
legitimate use of his US call, should the operator have been awarded first
place over VP2V/AA7V in the results? If we agree use of an unauthorized
callsign took place, should the operation be assigned check log status or be
disqualified under ARRL DX rules? And one more question, should the contacts
made with FS/KO1A be given credit under the DXCC program if the callsign was in
fact unauthorized?
Regards,
John, W2GD/P44W
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