NEWINGTON, CT, Aug 13, 2004 -- The FCC has formalized its policy for issuing an emergency communications declaration (ECD) on Amateur Radio Service frequencies. The policy, which became effective August 2, states that ECDs will be issued for VHF or UHF repeaters--if the licensee consents--or on simplex channels in the 60-meter band. The FCC will not entertain requests to specifically sequester frequencies in other HF bands for emergency traffic only. Past emergency communications declarations--typically issued during weather-related emergencies--have put frequencies on 75 and 40 meters off limits to general use in an affected region. The practice has drawn complaints from members of the amateur community--especially from those well outside the affected region--and from emergency nets, which still experienced QRM. "ECDs may only be issued after a disaster disrupts normal communication systems in a geographic area subject to FCC regulation," the FCC said, citing §97.401(b). Under its provisions, when a disaster disrupts normal telecommunications systems in a given area, the FCC may declare a temporary communication emergency that sets forth any special conditions and special rules stations must observe while it's in effect. The policy clarifies that the FCC has authority to issue ECDs only for communication emergencies and not on the basis of anticipated emergencies. The policy calls for VHF and UHF Amateur Service channels to receive preference for ECDs. Requests may indicate a specific repeater system, subject to permission from the repeater's licensee or trustee. On HF, the FCC says, an ECD may authorize the use of one or two 60-meter channels, which center on 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373 and 5405 kHz. "Use of these channels is subject to the requirements of §97.303(s)," the FCC said. One potential downside of the policy is the 50 W effective radiated power restriction on that band (see ARRL's Frequently Asked Questions regarding operation on 60 meters).

The FCC said frequencies in other Amateur Service bands--where emergency nets already have been established--may be used during emergencies under the provisions of §97.101(c). That rule section stipulates that Amateur Service control operators give priority to stations providing emergency communications "at all times and on all frequencies."

In announcing its policy, the FCC noted that amateurs have occasionally requested an ECD before an event, such as a hurricane or tropical storm, has occurred. "However," the Commission's policy points out, "transmissions prior to a disaster are already authorized by §97.401(a) and not subject to an ECD." Under §97.401(a), amateur stations may make transmissions "necessary to meet essential communication needs and facilitate relief actions" when normal telecommunication systems are overloaded, damaged or disrupted because a disaster has occurred or is likely to occur in an area where the Amateur Service is regulated by the FCC.

The FCC also has tightened up the requirements to request an ECD. Requests may come from an emergency management official responsible for emergency operations in the affected area and acting in an official capacity or from an Amateur Radio operator at the request of an emergency management official responsible for emergency operations in the affected area and acting an official capacity. Among other information, requests must include the nature of the disaster, a description of the compromised telecommunication systems, the geographic area affected and the estimated length of time that normal telecommunication systems will remain out of service. The FCC policy, Emergency Communications Declarations in the Amateur Radio Service, is available on  the ARRL Web site.