FCC to Tighten Security on License Access

Beginning this coming September, everyone with an FCC registration number (FRN) - that includes anyone with a ham license - will need a user ID and password, along with other security measures, in order to log into their license files. According to an FCC public notice, users will also need to provide a valid e-mail address and supply answers to security questions for password recovery (e.g., "where was your mother born?"). 

In addition, since this applies to all services with licenses issued under the Commission Registration System (CORES), it will be possible to establish multiple usernames with varying levels of access for each FRN. Importantly, the first person to sign up for access to a particular FRN will be designated as that account's administrator, who will be able to control access by any other approved users. Questions may be e-mailed to <cores@fcc.gov>.

More Speculation About Hara Arena

Is Hara Arena, home of the Dayton Hamvention, at risk
of closing? A local newspaper report says it's being
considered as the new county fairgrounds.

Speculation continues about the future of Hara Arena, home to the Dayton Hamvention®. A story in the Dayton Daily News in late April reported that the arena is under consideration as the new home of the Montgomery County Fair, whose old fairgrounds are being considered for commercial redevelopment. According to the newspaper report, Hara was one of three locations in the Dayton suburb of Trotwood that was visited recently by representatives of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, which runs the county fair. Hara spokeswoman Karen Wampler did not deny the visit, but criticized the report as speculation, which she said "undermines our ability to attract events, sponsors, patrons and investors." Hara has been in a precarious financial situation for several years, and the newspaper reports that it is currently in the process of paying down more than a quarter-million dollars in delinquent property taxes.

Brazil to Foreign Hams: Come and Operate During Olympics

The government of Brazil has thrown open the doors for allowing foreign amateurs to operate from the

country during the Olympic Games there this summer. According to the ARRL, any foreign amateur may operate from Brazil this coming August and September, regardless of whether a reciprocal licensing agreement is in effect between Brazil and the amateur's home country. Authorizations will be issued by the Brazilian Amateur Radio League (LABRE) under an agreement with the country's telecommunications regulator. No fees will be required. Hams wishing to operate in Brazil this summer should e-mail scanned copies of their valid passport, amateur license, an itinerary listing anticipated cities and expected dates of operation, and an e-mail address to <executiva@labre.org.br>.

IOTA Program Now Independent of RSGB

The popular Islands on the Air (IOTA) program is now being administered by an independent not-for-profit company, Islands on the Air (IOTA) Ltd., under an agreement with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), which had administered the program since its inception. Initial directors of the new company, according to the ARRL Letter, are Roger Balister, G3KMA, and Stan Lee, G4XXI. Appointment of a full board of directors is next on the agenda. No significant policy changes are anticipated, and the new company says it is fully committed to completing an ongoing paperless QSLing project to permit electronic confirmations to be used.