I want to open this discussion by saying that the radio hobby is a great place to be. Lots of neat things to learn, good times to be had, good people most of the time. But, I want to address whether or not scanners should be available for just any person who wants them.
Should the communications act be re-written? Should a federal license be issued the same way an amateur license is issued, requiring a criminal background check AKA "Red Light Review" by the FCC before allowing the purchase and possession of a scanner?
Or
Should the Amateur Radio Community be the only thing available to those who want into the radio hobby given the fact that the amateur radio service is stated to be experimental in aim for the most part?
Is it really a right or a human need for people to listen to scanners just because the communications act doesn't prohibit scanning? Can we ever live without any ability to intercept communications? Is the risk to people using the various radio services too high in this day and age for there to be permissible monitoring? Should the FCC require all radio systems to be encrypted to prevent terrorism and harmful intelligence gathering?
What everyday service to the public merits the possession and use of scanners by anyone and everyone? Why should scanners and any implied privilege of radio interception be preserved? Make the case for AND against.
Keep it thoughtful and relevant!
Should the communications act be re-written? Should a federal license be issued the same way an amateur license is issued, requiring a criminal background check AKA "Red Light Review" by the FCC before allowing the purchase and possession of a scanner?
Or
Should the Amateur Radio Community be the only thing available to those who want into the radio hobby given the fact that the amateur radio service is stated to be experimental in aim for the most part?
Is it really a right or a human need for people to listen to scanners just because the communications act doesn't prohibit scanning? Can we ever live without any ability to intercept communications? Is the risk to people using the various radio services too high in this day and age for there to be permissible monitoring? Should the FCC require all radio systems to be encrypted to prevent terrorism and harmful intelligence gathering?
What everyday service to the public merits the possession and use of scanners by anyone and everyone? Why should scanners and any implied privilege of radio interception be preserved? Make the case for AND against.
Keep it thoughtful and relevant!