[CQ-Contest] L.O.T.W.

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

IK4WMH writesL 
 
> Is the address stored in the FCC database enough proof of the identity
> of the applicant?

No, it's not proof but sending the "post card" to the ADDRESS in the 
FCC database and no other address is assumed to be a way to make sure 
that the person who uploaded the certificate is indeed the licensee. 
If I were to generate a certificate request for someone else, I would 
in theory never receive the card to complete the sign-up transaction.  

> Why shall I send photocopies of my license and passport to prove who I
> am while you, US hams, don't have to?

Because ARRL have no access to a similar address verification for 
DX stations?  If I recall correctly, many of the international 
call/address lists are not official. 

> Since I hold a US call I have the following two chances:
> 
> 1. I request a LotW certificate for my US call, and *THEN* I use it to
> request an additional certificate for my italian home call

I would certainly avail myself of that opportunity. 

> Do you consider it fair? I don't.

Fair or not is not my decision to make.  Many DX stations have chosen 
to provide the requested documentation.  However, why do you not ask 
ARI to open discussions with ARRL with an end to verifying identity 
and generating the certificates closer to home?  

> I guess I'll never get onto LotW unless the certificate request
> procedure is levelled between US and foreign hams.

That is your choice ... but very short sighted, in my opinion. 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV