ARRL News
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New 60-Meter Frequencies Available as of February 13
The new 60-meter frequencies approved by the FCC in December will become available to amateurs as of February 13, 2026, along with new power restrictions on those frequencies. It’s a bit confusing, as different rules apply to different segments of the band. The changes result from the FCC’s action to approve a worldwide 60-meter amateur allocation made by the World Radiocommunication Conference...
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Bob Jones, VE7RWJ, Silent Key -- Former ITU Official and IARU Expert
Robert W. “Bob” Jones, VE7RWJ, a former top official of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Canadian telecommunications regulator, passed away on January 7, 2026, at age 82. His early fascination with amateur radio led to a career in telecommunications and engineering, according to his obituary.
Jones was Director General of the Canadian Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regul...
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FCC Poised to Exempt Amateurs from Foreign Adversary Reporting Requirements
At the urging of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to exempt radio amateurs from foreign adversary reporting requirements. These rules would have applied to citizens of the listed countries (see below), including those living in the United States, who hold or are applying for an FCC license.
On January 8, 2026, the FCC relea...
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The ARRL Solar Update
Geomagnetic field activity is likely to reach G1 (Minor) geomagnetic
storm levels on January 13 and 14, and then from January 17 to 20.
Unsettled levels are likely on January 12, and then from January 21
and 22. All enhancements in geomagnetic activity are due to the
anticipated influence of multiple, recurrent, coronal holes. The
remainder of the outlook period is expected to be mostly quiet.
A tra... -
Richard Dean Straw, N6BV, ARRL “Antenna Expert,” Silent Key
by Mark Derks, KC1RVQ, ARRL Headquarters Staff
Richard Dean Straw (“Dean”), N6BV, died on July 9, 2025. Amateur radio was one of his passions.
Dean retired from the staff of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® in 2008 following 15 years of service as the Senior Assistant Technical Editor.
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In 2006, the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) was held in Florianópolis, Brazil, a co...