NC radio amateurs win exclusion from cellphone ban

North Carolina lawmakers are again considering a ban on cell phone use while driving, but Amateur Radio operators in the state would be specifically exempted, thanks to an amendment requested by Bob Conder K4RLC, the ARRL State Government Liaison officer.

The bill was debated on Tuesday by the state Senate Commerce Committee.

State Senator William Purcell, a co-sponsor of the bill, told Conder that Amateur Radio was already exempt because it wasn't covered by the definition of "mobile phone". Conder asked for a specific exemption anyway, fearing that law enforcement officers on the street wouldn't make the
distinction between a cell phone and ham radio.

The amendment, which reads "This term does not include two-way mobile radio transmitters or receivers used by licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service" was accepted without discussion.

During committee debate, one Senator did ask if the bill would cover Nextel style "push-to-talk" - operation that is similar to Amateur Radio. After that concept was explained to some senators who didn't understand it, the bill's sponsor said it "probably would" be included in the ban.

Similar bills have been introduced in North Carolina over the past few years, and all have been defeated or died in committee. A similar fate is expected for this bill, but last year the state did enact a ban for drivers under 18.

Gary Pearce KN4AQ
ARNewsline