Pecuniary Interest
QST editorial by K1ZZ

Whether or not you are a member of the ARRL, the editorial in the September issue of QST Magazine is must reading for any radio amateur who is even remotely concerned over the rising problem of ham radio being used for things its was never intended.

We are talking about the attempt to commercialize the hobby by some cities, towns and employers under the guise
of it being emergency preparedness.

Amateur Radio Newsline's Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, has more:

Titled "It Seems To Us: Pecuniary Interest" the editorial was penned by ARRL Executive Officer Dave Sumner, K1ZZ.

In it, he takes a close look at the level to which ham radio emergency communications has matured to where it's looked upon as being among the most reliable in the world.
And because of this, there are some who would exploit it as a way to have an emergency communications or public service network available and on call at little or no cost to a given business or municipality.

Indeed, Sumner cites one case of a medical worker who objected to the FCC interpretation of rule 97.113(a)(3). This when that unnamed worker was told that employees cannot transmit communications on behalf of the hospital while on duty.

Sumner's editorial says that the ARRL Board of Directors is already looking at the problem, but he really implies that it is the nation's ham community that must think carefully about what its being asked to do by municipalities, service providers and employers before signing on.

K1ZZ notes that there are other radio services designated for the purpose of routine business communications and warns that ham radio must not permit itself to be exploited by those who are to frugal to use them.

Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF
Amateur Radio Newsline