The National Amateur Radio Alliance (NARA) opposes AST & Science, LLC's petition (FCC Docket 25-201) requesting special authority to use the 430–440 MHz Amateur band for satellite operations during undefined emergencies.
This petition requests special temporary authority to utilize the 430–440 MHz segment of the 70cm Amateur band, along with adjacent non-Amateur allocations, for satellite telemetry, tracking, and control functions during undefined emergency circumstances.
The Amateur Radio community has legitimate cause for concern. This proposal threatens and encroaches upon our frequencies in the 70cm amateur band. These frequencies support irreplaceable experimentation, satellite communications, and specialized narrowband activities that have no viable alternative spectrum locations.
NARA has filed comprehensive opposition comments with the FCC, detailing the substantial risks this proposal poses to Amateur spectrum integrity, emphasizing the crucial need to maintain Amateur Radio's rightful access to the 430–440 MHz band.
The National Amateur Radio Alliance is just one of many national amateur radio organizations that have filed comments with the FCC. The ARRL, Radio Amateurs of Canada, and the Radio Society of Great Britain are among those who have also filed comments.
At NARA, we remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our community's spectrum access and ensuring that the concerns of amateur radio operators receive proper consideration in regulatory proceedings.
We extend our gratitude to our members for their ongoing support. Your engagement empowers us to advocate effectively when our spectrum rights face challenges.