[CQ-Contest] Prefixes in WPX

[John Laney]

Don:  I've always understood that the requirement of Canadian stations 
in the US and US stations in Canada to sign the portable designator at 
the end of the call was because it was required in a treaty between the 
two countries.  This was one of the first reciprocal treaties.  It was 
before anyone considered signing the country prefix first in temporary 
operations in another country.  It could probably be agreed differently 
today, but changing treaties between countries isn't easy and there is 
no big constituency of people demanding it on either side of the border. 
  Even if all ham radio operators on both sides wanted it, we are still 
a very small contituency.

I am aware of hams who have violated the treaty, if that is indeed where 
this rule comes from, but I wouldn't do so myself.

73,

John, K4BAI.