The FCC has found that it costs the agency more to process the regulatory fees for amateur radio vanity call signs and other services such as GMRS than the fees themselves cover. Rather than increasing the rate, the FCC has decided to eliminate them altogether. This change will not go into effect until the required congressional notice has been given, which typically takes at least 90 days. Any fees paid prior to the institution of the change will not be refunded. This is great news and a welcome change from the tedious fee recovery process that has been normal. For more information, visit this page at ARRL's website.

Almost everyone has heard about the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Nepal on April 25, 2015 and the devastation it left behind. More than 7,000 people were killed and many others were injured. Countless have been left homeless as the result of building collapses, and it has been difficult for people to find loved ones in the wake of the destruction and ensuing chaos. Amateur radio has played an important role in the rescue and recovery efforts in Nepal, often being the only means of communications due to the country's lack of reliable telephone and Internet infrastructure. In many ways, amateur radio operators have filled a crucial role. There ...