FCC Issues Public Notice On Amateur Radio Emcomm Drills

[MTS2000des]

Originally Posted by KS4VT

Well of course you can come with with every secenario in the book to make a point, but this is now the time to re-review and possibly change your plans based on the FCC's current posting. I don't think you need to take the repeater down because I'm sure that 98% of the time it is utilized for normal chatter, so that thinking would be taking it to the extreme.

As far as my operation, I am the trustee of the repeaters and it doesn't affect my operation or me as long as I don't pick up the microphone, which I don't ever recall doing because I have so much other stuff going on during an activation. We have individuals who are tasked with managing the volunteers who are both licensed and unlicensed and our reverse 911 system is utilized to advise registered volunteers of the current status of need.

I am glad at&t or whoever your common carriers are have hardened all the CO's and trunks in south Florida. Unfortunately, in most of Metro Atlanta, most of our utilities are above ground and are subject to service interruptions when trees fall, funnel clouds pop out of the sky (which happens quite frequently, our county leads the state in numbers of tornado and wind damage of all 159 counties), and with no real public transit system, travel is all by roadway. So calling in those volunteers from home in our 15 county metro area really isn't an option, especially when the phones don't work, or are overloaded from everyone "calling Grandma to make sure she is alright."

As far as the repeater coming down, you are right. No one is ever on the clock using it, nor is any business of anything permitted on the repeater. In fact it is open for general use as any club owned system is, we reserve the right to use it for club functions (no different than any other club repeater system would be utilized within the confines of part 97). But preventing employees who happen to be hams from using ham radios while on the job or off from participating in periodic drills seems silly to me. Getting paid to make transmissions or "dispatch"? Absolutely absurd. But exercising your resources? Now it means more government red tape and more paperwork...not really worth the hassle IMO.

It is now a real hardship because I or any other employee cannot use the radio to call those volunteers in to man the station, or talk to shelters, or the county EOC should the 800MHz system be unavailable. It isn't practical nor cost effective for us to purchase dozens of even entry level Astro 25 portables such as XTS1500's and issue them to volunteers, so I guess we'll have to scratch them from the list of resources available to respond during a disaster if we lose telcos, cells and Internet.

Sidenote: In the recent record floods our county Astro 25 system held up well (sans a few waterlogged radios that fell victim to full immersion beyond their rated pressure and depths), we did not have a mass casualty incident, 5 dead most were swept away in vehicles...just major property damage.

[rdale]

Originally Posted by MTS2000des

It is now a real hardship because I or any other employee cannot use the radio to call those volunteers in to man the station, or talk to shelters, or the county EOC should the 800MHz system be unavailable

Why? As pointed out above - these all can be done by an employee during a disaster. So what's the issue?

[rdale]

Originally Posted by n5ims

One example of this wavier being required is the hams that work for the national weather service or local TV stations that use their ham radios to communicate with the skywarn folks. These communications would be in violation if they hadn't gotten the necessary waivers.

How many times have hams gone to TV stations and NWS offices to drill this? In my 30 years with Skywarn, I can count them on one hand (and I still would have plenty of fingers left.) So what's the big worry?

[MTS2000des]

Originally Posted by rdale

Why? As pointed out above - these all can be done by an employee during a disaster. So what's the issue?

the issue is not being able to conduct drills without going through a process of getting a waiver which didn't exist before people started crying that the sky was falling and demanded the FCC put such activities under a microscope. This by the way, is just the first step. Now that this issue is on the FCC radar, it will be the first of many changes ahead. Changes that won't be good for any of us who value keeping the amateur radio service around in it's capacity spectrum wise as we enjoy it today. Watch for upcoming NPRM's regarding use during disasters.

besides, if you don't practice these things, such procedures don't get utilized because people become complacent.

In the grand scheme, this is a move on the FCC's part to neuter amateur radio so it can be put on a shelf, the majority of the spectrum (especially above 220MHz) auctioned off for sake of broadband. The bigger picture that many fail to see is that once the public service value fades away, there won't be any real reason to protect our spectrum from the real commercial interests who threaten it. Already the bands are highly underutilized, and we're all to busy arguing on the Internet about the price of tea in China to notice that the new "administration" with their "change" is setting sights on making broadband a priority. The FCC has used the term "spectrum crisis" to describe the lack of RF spectrum to support delivering broadband to the masses. And it's no secret the amateur radio service is a goldmine of billions of dollars of valuable radio real estate just waiting to be re-allocated for such use.

We've spend too much time taking pot shots at each other and calling names to notice what is really going on. But then what a perfect way to overtake...create a house divided and watch it fall in on itself...sounds familiar does it not?

[rdale]

Originally Posted by MTS2000des

the issue is not being able to conduct drills without going through a process of getting a waiver

How often do you do drills with zero notice? Talk to your ham club a month before and get someone else in there. Or test it at a completely different time outside of the drill. It's very easy to get around this and still have your ops ready for an emergency.

But to shut down the operation entirely and walk away says that you didn't really do this for public service to begin with. Sounds more like you were in it for the "glory" and that's not a good attitude to have if really interested in protecting the public.

[MTS2000des]

Originally Posted by rdale

How often do you do drills with zero notice? Talk to your ham club a month before and get someone else in there. Or test it at a completely different time outside of the drill. It's very easy to get around this and still have your ops ready for an emergency.

But to shut down the operation entirely and walk away says that you didn't really do this for public service to begin with. Sounds more like you were in it for the "glory" and that's not a good attitude to have if really interested in protecting the public.

hold on there rdale, you don't know me or my background, so please pass on the personal assumptions.

it's called sarcasm.

I don't plan to take anything down. I've been a ham since I was 9 years old, and been doing community service via ham radio since 1990 at age 15. I don't plan to go anywhere, but thanks for the concern none the less. I've probably spent a lion's share of my personal income financing my doing community service with ham radio, never made a dime making transmissions for hire and never will. Elmered several people and also turned a few away who had no desire but to use ham radio for a replacement for their cellphone, Nextel or other pecuniary interest to other services such as GMRS, the local LTR provider, and Sprint Simply Everything plans.

What I do plan to do is modify what I do on the job to stay within compliance with the rules. The FCC has now officially spoken and they've made it crystal clear, no emcomm drills involving your employer, whether or not you are on or off the clock, are being paid to make transmissions, or whatever. They've made it very plain as day. They've opened the Pandora's box of scrutiny to what we do, and Mr. Cross has said they are in an "evaluation phase" to see how this plays out. I want to be in compliance and also keep my employer out of harm's way.

Of course during a disaster I will use whatever resources, ham radio or not, to communicate if life safety or property damage is at risk if it is all that is available, and worry about the consequences later on. But as it stands now, the drills are over and tabling the ham station may be a reality until this gets worked out. You see, risk managers and other people will drop it like a hot rock when the words "violations" get thrown around. It's also another issue around any health care facility is allowing volunteers in certain areas due to HIPAA, system policies, insurance, etc. so this further complicates issues already at hand.

[kb9sxk]

Originally Posted by MTS2000des

the issue is not being able to conduct drills without going through a process of getting a waiver which didn't exist before people started crying that the sky was falling and demanded the FCC put such activities under a microscope. This by the way, is just the first step. Now that this issue is on the FCC radar, it will be the first of many changes ahead. Changes that won't be good for any of us who value keeping the amateur radio service around in it's capacity spectrum wise as we enjoy it today. Watch for upcoming NPRM's regarding use during disasters.

besides, if you don't practice these things, such procedures don't get utilized because people become complacent.

In the grand scheme, this is a move on the FCC's part to neuter amateur radio so it can be put on a shelf, the majority of the spectrum (especially above 220MHz) auctioned off for sake of broadband. The bigger picture that many fail to see is that once the public service value fades away, there won't be any real reason to protect our spectrum from the real commercial interests who threaten it. Already the bands are highly underutilized, and we're all to busy arguing on the Internet about the price of tea in China to notice that the new "administration" with their "change" is setting sights on making broadband a priority. The FCC has used the term "spectrum crisis" to describe the lack of RF spectrum to support delivering broadband to the masses. And it's no secret the amateur radio service is a goldmine of billions of dollars of valuable radio real estate just waiting to be re-allocated for such use.

We've spend too much time taking pot shots at each other and calling names to notice what is really going on. But then what a perfect way to overtake...create a house divided and watch it fall in on itself...sounds familiar does it not?

No, I think this a few of the "My hobby is radio, not public service" old fogies at ARRL making a stink.

[MTS2000des]

Originally Posted by kb9sxk

No, I think this a few of the "My hobby is radio, not public service" old fogies at ARRL making a stink.

It's more that that. The ARRL wants to have control of the amateur radio service and be a quasi-government entity. Their alignment with DHS/FEMA is all a ploy to get the FCC to allow them a greater locus of control of the amateur radio service. They want to be "THE National Resource for Amateur Radio" and they make no bones about this.

They want ARRL/ARES behind the mike at EOC's and fire stations, they don't want public safety people who happen to be hams. The problem with this is the place for volunteers is in the communities where they live/work not hanging around 911 centers or EOC's. Hams are a great resource for passing health and welfare traffic at shelters, special events, bike tours, etc. but it isn't practical nor logical to expect that when the type of disaster strikes that would indeed call upon hams to pass traffic, they will be able to get to the needed locations.

When a "Katrina" strikes, your initial concern is your family, your property and your immediate community. One would be a better resource staying in your neighborhood and running your station to pass traffic and remain there until the professional responders can arrive. Of course this is all for nothing if there is no one on the other end of your ham radio with a connection to the resources you require. If the phones and Internet is out, how in the heck is any public safety entity supposed to call the hams in for help? Self-dispatching is not appropriate and promotes the type of disorganized, getting-in-the-way mess that promotes the whackerism of light bars, badges and negative image of EMCOMM. Handing out trunking radios to volunteers defeats the whole purpose of ham radio, why have it if it isn't going to be utilized?

Preventing public safety personnel from this incidental use of ham radio is not only unseemly, it is counterproductive to the idea of amateur radio being a viable community resource in these scenarios.

Most emergency managers I know do not have 15 minutes to wait on hams to show up and man a station at their EOC in the midst of such events. It's just another thorn in our side. People who went crying about EMCOMM to the FCC have done more damage than they know.

[rdale]

Originally Posted by MTS2000des

Most emergency managers I know do not have 15 minutes to wait on hams to show up and man a station at their EOC in the midst of such events.

Again - they don't have to. If you read the FCC ruling again, it specifically states that the requirement is for drills only and not for the real thing.

[DaveNF2G]

I agree with rdale's reading of the FCC statement, but not necessarily with his assessment of its impact.

How can radio operators who are affected by the FCC's policy statement be prepared for "the real thing" if they are prohibited from training for it by participating in drills?

Another thought: Someone suggested that affected hams should volunteer someplace other than at work. Government agencies, especially those directly involved in emergency preparedness and response, will require their employees to report to their jobs during an emergency. If "all else fails" and they must turn to ham radio as a lawfully authorized emergency backup, then they will again be untrained and inexperienced in its use due to failure to participate in drills.

I don't know about ARRL's role in this, but I am aware of the parts that such vendors as Motorola, Verizon, Nextel, and others play in directing FCC policy in their own favor. They see hams and our free spectrum and inexpensive radios as competition for their high priced "professional" devices and services.

[rdale]

Originally Posted by DaveNF2G

How can radio operators who are affected by the FCC's policy statement be prepared for "the real thing" if they are prohibited from training for it by participating in drills?

If they are a ham, then they know how to turn the radio on and transmit. If they work for the company, they know what their role is during an event. Is it the best? No. Will it work? I think so.

then they will again be untrained and inexperienced in its use due to failure to participate in drills.

Again - how many hams are untrained and inexperienced in using ham radio? How many hams are involved in ARES/RACES but don't know what to do in a disaster?

Or why aren't they requesting a waiver now? How many times in the past have you been involved in drills where you were employed by the agency performing the drill and would have been in violation?

[DaveNF2G]

Originally Posted by rdale

If they are a ham, then they know how to turn the radio on and transmit. If they work for the company, they know what their role is during an event. Is it the best? No. Will it work? I think so.

You are probably right. It will work as well as the ad hoc untrained response that most hams are capable of providing.

Again - how many hams are untrained and inexperienced in using ham radio?

The question appears to reflect a common misconception among ham operators. Merely knowing how to operate a radio is not all it takes to be ready for a communications emergency. There are procedural requirements as well. There are many hams who believe they know how to operate ham radio adequately, but are totally lost when having to do so under less than ideal conditions, or when assigned to a post that is equipped with a radio they have never operated before. This is where practice (drills) comes in.

How many hams are involved in ARES/RACES but don't know what to do in a disaster?

Interesting that you phrased the question that way. Hams who are involved in ARES/RACES generally do know what to do. Hams who are simply members of ARES/RACES because they get recognition and a cool patch are probably no better trained than non-members because they don't want to "waste time" in meeting any formal requirements or going to "boring" meetings.

Or why aren't they requesting a waiver now? How many times in the past have you been involved in drills where you were employed by the agency performing the drill and would have been in violation?

Good question. I have another: Will the FCC issue standing waivers, or do they intend to require a waiver request for each affected drill?

[rdale]

Well for all that worry - guess it's not a big deal after all. Surprising.

ARRLWeb: ARRL NEWS: FCC Issues First Waiver for Government-Sponsored Disaster Drill


FCC Issues First Waiver for Government-Sponsored Disaster Drill

On Tuesday October 27, the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) granted the first waiver that allows amateurs who participate in a government-sponsored emergency preparedness and disaster drill to communicate on behalf of their employers during the drill.

[rescuecomm]

Sounds like a winner to me. I will have to check and see if our guys at county are up on this.

Bob

[wb0qqk]

Originally Posted by kb9sxk

I am going with this:
"The FCC‟s Report and Order, FCC 06-149, 21 FCC Rcd.11643, released October 10, 2006, clarifies the rules for employees by stating that “Section 97.113 does not prohibit amateur radio operators who are emergency personnel engaged in disaster relief from using the amateur service bands while on paid duty status. These individuals are not receiving compensation for transmitting amateur service communications; rather, they are receiving compensation for services related to their disaster relief duties and in their capacities as emergency personnel.” It looks like the ARRL instigated this issue.

I concur.

[W9RXR]

Originally Posted by MTS2000des

Mr. Cross is with the WTB, not the amateur radio enforcement division- and his statements about the amateur radio service not being an "emergency radio service" are a little disturbing. I wonder if he has read part 97 himself,

The amateur radio service in the U.S. is managed by the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Mobility Division. William T. Cross is a licensed amateur radio operator with call sign W3TN. Whether or not he's read Part 97, I will leave to your imagination.