[SCCC] Help Stop Vanity Call Sign Assignment Abuse

[Dennis Vernacchia]

We all know how valuable short call signs are for use in contesting !!


10/27/2016


The FCC is inviting comments on a *Petition for Rule Making* (*RM-11775*
<https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/1004220986407/Petition%20.pdf>) from a Nevada
radio amateur that seeks changes to the rules governing the Amateur Radio
Vanity Call Sign Program. Christopher LaRue, W4ADL, of North Las Vegas, is
proposing that any licensee obtaining a vanity call sign be required to
keep it for the full license term. LaRue contends in his petition that
excessive and frequent vanity call sign filings are hampering the ability
of other qualified licensees to obtain vanity call signs in one of the more
desirable 1 × 2 or 2 × 1 formats. LaRue said that since the FCC dropped the
fee to file for a vanity call sign, some applicants are taking advantage by
regularly obtaining new call signs, thereby keeping them out of circulation.


“Some are changing call signs almost monthly, just to keep the newer
code-free Extra class operators from obtaining a shorter call sign,” he
said in his petition. “I even saw an older operator that said he does it
all the time and has not even owned a radio in over 6 years. When I looked
him up, he has had 16 different [call signs] in 18 months.”


LaRue said his proposed minor rule change would require any licensee
applying for and obtaining an Amateur Radio vanity call sign “be required
to keep it for the duration of the license, which is currently 10 years.”


He said this would “alleviate a lot of the stress on the ULS system and
manpower requirements” at the FCC. “It will also keep inactive amateurs
from changing call signs regularly, thereby tying up call signs for 2 years
after dismissal of said call.”


Interested parties may comment using the FCC Electronic Comment Filing
System (*ECFS <https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/>*). Comments are due within 30
days of the October 26 posting date.