Amateur Radio

Amateur Radio: A National Asset Worth Preserving

Amateur radio is a vital national resource — providing emergency communications, fueling STEM careers, and operating at virtually no cost to the government. Now is the time to protect and strengthen it, not delete it.

Jim Idelson

09 Apr 2025 — 2 min read

UNITED STATES – MARCH 31: Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Brendan Carr testifies during the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled Connecting America: Oversight of the FCC, in Rayburn Building on Thursday, March 31, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Right now, the FCC is soliciting comments on the so-called “Delete, delete, delete” initiative — a sweeping proposal to eliminate numerous regulatory services, with the potential to substantially impact the amateur radio service as we know it. While the call for regulatory modernization has its place, I believe strongly that amateur radio must continue with its current licensing framework and spectrum allocations firmly intact. Here’s why:

Amateur Radio Delivers Real-World Value

Amateur radio isn’t some quaint hobby from a bygone era. It’s a living, breathing public service tool — and when traditional communications systems fail, amateur radio operators step in. Time and again, hams have been a critical communications lifeline during hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters. No other volunteer-based service provides this depth of grassroots capability, independent of the commercial infrastructure we too often take for granted.

Beyond emergency communications, amateur radio is a powerful, proven pipeline into America’s STEM economy. From an early age, amateur radio operators are exposed to radio theory, electronics, antenna design, digital communication, cybersecurity, and countless other fields. This breadth of experience is unmatched — and it inspires careers in science, technology, engineering, and math at every level. For decades, amateur radio has fueled the very industries that drive American innovation and economic growth.

Amateur Radio Costs the FCC Virtually Nothing

The FCC’s burden for overseeing the amateur radio service is minimal. Volunteer examiners handle licensing. Enforcement actions are rare and generally addressed within the community itself. The amateur radio service operates with little regulatory overhead compared to the vast benefits it provides — a true bargain for the American people.

In short: amateur radio is an extraordinarily high-value service at practically no cost to the government.

Take Action Now

The FCC is accepting public comments on this proposal — and your voice matters. And you have until April 11, 2025 - Friday of this week - to make yourself heard!