Also in GB2RS this week…

The American Radio Relay League, ARRL, is beginning a process with the Federal Communications Commission, FCC, to try and keep non amateur radio satellites from using amateur band frequencies. The ARRL is working to protect amateur radio frequencies against exploitation by commercial entities. However, there are also ongoing discussions to try and define what constitutes commercial use. For example, if University staff build a Cubesat for educational use, does the fact that they were paid for their time mean it is a commercial endeavour?

The arguments have the potential to become complex and may possibly spill over to other parts of the world. Cubesats usually fly over many countries as a natural part of their low-earth orbit, so it is possible that a frequency allocated in the USA might cause unexpected results elsewhere on the globe.

You can read much more about these goings-on on the ARRL website via tinyurl.com/GB2RS-1507B

And, last but not least, a final call for the RSGB Train the Trainers course that takes place next Saturday at Sully, Vale of Glamorgan. Contact Glyn, GW0ANA via rm7@rsgb.org.uk to check for any last-minute availability.

Category: GB2RS Headlines