[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 9, 1994)] [Unknown Section] [Page 0] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 94-27757] [[Page Unknown]] [Federal Register: November 9, 1994] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 97 [PR Docket No. 92-167; RM-7680; FCC 94-274] Special Temporary Licensing Procedure for Visiting Foreign Amateur Operations AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule; termination. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This action terminates the proposal in this proceeding to amend the amateur service rules to provide a temporary licensing procedure for amateur operators, such as tourists and convention attendees, so that they can operate their amateur stations during brief visits to the United States. The action is necessary so that the matter will not remain in a pending status. The effect of this termination is that foreign amateur operators will continue to use the current means of obtaining operating authority, that is, obtaining a United States or a reciprocal license. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maurice J. DePont, Federal Communications Commission, Private Radio Bureau, Washington, DC 20554, (202) 632-4964. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Memorandum Opinion and Order, adopted October 24, 1994, and released November 2, 1994. The complete text of this Commission action is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room 239), 1919 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20554. The complete text of this Memorandum Opinion and Order may also be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Services, Inc. (ITS, Inc.), 2100 M Street, NW., Suite 140, Washington, DC 20037. Telephone number (202) 857-3800. Summary of Memorandum Opinion and Order 1. The Notice of Proposed Rule Making in FCC 92-346, 57 FR 37758, published August 20, 1992, in this proceeding, addresses a need that visiting foreign amateur operators have for a convenient procedure by which they can obtain authority to operate their amateur stations while they are here in the United States for brief visits. 2. Commenters were concerned that language barriers might pose a problem for volunteer examiners who would be required to verify the foreign amateur operator's license. Also raised in the comments was the matter of whether the volunteer examiner system should be used for the purpose of authorizing visiting foreign amateur operators. Another concern was that authorizing operation by visitors from countries that do no currently have reciprocal agreements with the United States might reduce the incentive for those countries to enter into such agreements. 3. The Commission said that because of the concerns expressed, the amateur service rules would not be amended as proposed. The Commission recognizes, however, the need a convenient licensing procedure for visiting foreign amateur operators. Other ways to meet the need, therefore, will continue to be explored. The Commission said that, in particular, it would work to ensure the reciprocal treatment of United States amateur operators, whether through bilateral or multilateral arrangements. 4. A related petition for rule making (RM-7680), filed by Stephen R. Hutchins, was dismissed without prejudice because the Commission did not want to retain it in a pending status while various international negotiations (such as the mutual recognition of Conference of Europeene des Administrations de la Post et Telecommunication (CEPT) licenses) are being pursued. 5. This Memorandum Opinion and Order is issued under the authority of 47 U.S.C. 154(i). List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 97 Amateur radio, Examinations, Radio, Treaties. Federal Communications Commission. William F. Caton, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 94-27757 Filed 11-8-94; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-M