The group Hams for Action is disappointed the FCC won’t review a decision that it says hurts amateur radio.
The commission earlier refused to carve out an exception for hams to overcome restrictions in certain homeowner’s association deeds and bylaws. Those restrictions prevent amateur radio operators from installing antennas and towers where they live. As Radio World reported last week, the Wireless Bureau now has ruled that it had already addressed the question and declined to reconsider it.
HFA is calling on the nation’s amateur radio operators to get involved in the next move.
Hams for Action feels housing choices are becoming limited for amateur operators in buildings that don’t allow ham antennas or towers. The FCC disagreed, saying housing choice is voluntary, and when someone moves into an apartment building or condo, they’re aware of the restrictions.
Don Schellhardt, president of Hams for Action, tells me his group is disappointed by the latest decision though glad to get a clear answer.
He sees alternatives, not mutually exclusive, for attaining HOA "antenna reform": Direct, case-by-case action through discussion with individual HOAs; new reform statutes that are enacted by Congress or state legislatures; and voter-petitioned ballot initiatives in those states.
HFA has been exploring the first possibility.
As for possible legislative action, Schellhardt tells me, "HFA is working to determine whether America has enough rank-and-file hams who are willing to provide a ‘critical mass’ of financial and logistical support. We need that if we are going to launch one or more effective lobbying campaigns without running out of steam partway. So this is our challenge to America’s hams."
Look for updates on www.hamsforaction.net.
(Source: The Leslie Report/RW Online)