This will be a hot topic in the coming weeks and months. The ARRL is soliciting feedback about a potential new entry-level license.
An Entry Level License Committee was established by the ARRL Board of Directors and appointed in September 2016. As part of its ongoing work, the committee is gathering member input and will make recommendations to the Board for possible rules changes to submit to the FCC.
The result could mean changes to the Technician license, but it could also be an additional, but simpler, license with privileges that would give a newcomer a taste of most facets of ham radio from HF to VHF and UHF.
According to the ARRL website, the basic summary for the realignment is as follows:
What are the problems we’re trying to solve?
- The declining population of new hams under the age of 30.
- A decline in the number of new licensees who actually get on the air.
- Amateur Radio’s lack of appeal for those under the age of 30, compared to other technical hobbies.
- The increasing challenge of engaging and retaining Technician licensees.
- A reluctance in much of the amateur community to embrace newer technologies of interest to the younger segment of the population.
The working mission:
- Encourage students and young adults to learn about ham radio.
- Train licensees for concepts necessary to be effective and successful.
- Provide sufficient privileges that will make Amateur Radio more attractive.
- Build in a strong incentive to upgrade to next license level.
Keep up to date on the ARRL Committee Reports page.
There are a lot of pros and cons and opinions out there.
When you Google information and opinions about this new license, be sure to check the date: You might be finding opinions about the last restructure – or the one before that.
We would like your opinion. Send an e-mail to .