SB QST @ ARL $ARLB023
ARLB023 FCC says reciprocal permits now "paperless"

ZCZC AG23
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 23  ARLB023
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  April 1, 1999
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB023
ARLB023 FCC says reciprocal permits now ''paperless''

The FCC is advising applicants for reciprocal operating permits that
an application is no longer required. Under new ULS rules that took
effect February 12, the FCC Form 610A has passed into history. The
new rules also will pave the way for US hams to more easily operate
in most of Europe. The FCC is expected to issue a Public Notice in
the near future that will spell out the details.

Alien visitors to the US holding an amateur license issued by their
home country may operate in the US without submitting any FCC
paperwork--provided that a reciprocal operating agreement is in
effect between the two countries. The only documentation required is
proof of citizenship and an Amateur Radio license issued by the
country of citizenship. These arrangements are similar to
longstanding arrangements between the US and Canada.

The new rules move the US a step closer to participation in the
licensing arrangements of CEPT, the European Conference of Postal
and Telecommunications Administrations. The US State Department
applied for US participation in 1997, and the request was approved
in early 1998. Completion of the final steps to make this a reality
is understood to be imminent. These include formal US notification
to the European Radiocommunications Office that it is prepared to
carry out its responsibilities under CEPT Recommendation T/R 61-01,
and the issuance of a Public Notice in English, French and German.

Under the CEPT arrangements, a US Technician licensee will be
recognized as holding the equivalent of a CEPT Class 2 (VHF-only)
license. Holders of Tech Plus through Extra tickets will have the
full HF and VHF privileges of a CEPT Class 1 license. Novice
licensees will not be eligible.

Additionally, the ARRL has informed the US State Department that it
plans to go forward in April with arrangements to issue
International Amateur Radio Permits to US hams in accordance with
the CITEL Amateur Convention, signed by several countries in the
Americas. The League has offered its services to issue IARPs to US
hams. An IARP is not a license, but it certifies the existence of a
license.

The new rules will not change the procedures for US hams wishing to
operate overseas in countries that are not CEPT members or CITEL
Amateur Convention signatories.
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