AG12
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 12  ARLB012
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  April 6, 2017
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB012
ARLB012 Revised Memorandum of Understanding between ARRL and FCC
Still a Work in Progress

The ARRL Executive Committee (EC) has directed that work begin on
finalizing the language of a revised memorandum of understanding
between ARRL and the FCC regarding the Amateur Auxiliary (Official
Observer) program. The EC met on March 25 in Aurora, Colorado. The
panel, which acts on behalf of the ARRL Board of Directors between
its regular meetings, heard an update on the Official Observer
Program Revitalization Study from ARRL Second Vice President and
committee chair Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, who said his committee
plans to present final recommendations later this year on revamping
the Amateur Auxiliary, for ultimate consideration by the full Board.

In his remarks, General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, was complimentary
of new FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and told the EC he thinks enforcement
efforts may be more successful in the future, due to the new
chairman's interest in the issue. Imlay also said the new chief of
the Enforcement Bureau, Michael Carowitz, is reported to be 'amateur
friendly.' He told the EC that he foresees a potential window of
opportunity for improved spectrum enforcement work, as well as the
opportunity to build a stronger working relationship with the FCC on
all issues.