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FCC Considering Proposal For Encrypted Ham Radio

Posted by timothy on from the technocrat-perspective dept.

Bruce Perens writes "FCC is currently processing a request for rule-making, RM-11699 (PDF), that would allow the use of Amateur frequencies in the U.S. for private, digitally-encrypted messages. Encryption is a potential disaster for ham radio because it defeats its self-policing nature. If hams can't decode messages, they can't identify if the communication even belongs on ham radio. A potentially worse problem is that encryption destroys the harmless nature of Amateur radio.There's no reason for governments to believe that encrypted communications are harmless. See hams.com/encryption/ for more information."

3 of 371 comments (clear)

  1. Re:It's dead either way, why not try this? by n1ywb · · Score: 5, Informative
    I think I was a ham for about a week before I hear my first on-air cussword. I would advise against dropping the f-bomb but I've never heard of anybody getting in trouble for the occassional mild cuss.

    Ham radio is about:
    • Public service
    • Radio technology
    • International goodwill

    If you are interested in those things, you will enjoy ham radio, restrictions and all. If you are not interested in those things, see ya.

    --
    -73, de n1ywb
    www.n1ywb.com
  2. Re:packet radio? by MozeeToby · · Score: 5, Informative

    Ok, let me elaborate. The HAM network is almost completely self policed. It would be trivially easy to abuse the spectrum and ruin it for everyone so it's in everyone's best interest that people who don't follow the rules, who are using it for commercial gain for just one example, are reported and stopped. Allowing encrypted traffic would allow me to sell internet service to people in rural areas because there's no way to detect what is in the encrypted content. If something becomes profitable enough eventually you'll choke the spectrum and make it unusable for everyone. Keep in mind that this isn't a managed slice of spectrum, there's no one in charge of who is using what frequency where. Get enough sources broadcasting and it simply won't work.

  3. FCC is not considering anything. by EmagGeek · · Score: 5, Informative

    This is not a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM). This is simply a petition by a Citizen.

    If the FCC decides to consider the petition, it will issue a NPRM and open a comment period. It will THEN consider the petition with the collection of public comments.