FCC Considering Proposal For Encrypted Ham Radio 371
Bruce Perens writes "FCC is currently processing a request for rule-making, RM-11699 (PDF), that would allow the use of Amateur frequencies in the U.S. for private, digitally-encrypted messages. Encryption is a potential disaster for ham radio because it defeats its self-policing nature. If hams can't decode messages, they can't identify if the communication even belongs on ham radio. A potentially worse problem is that encryption destroys the harmless nature of Amateur radio.There's no reason for governments to believe that encrypted communications are harmless. See hams.com/encryption/ for more information."
Re:packet radio? (Score:3, Informative)
Possible vs legal describe two completely different circles on the diagram. In a few places, they even touch.
Re:packet radio? (Score:5, Informative)
Possible, yes. Legal, no. The fact that a large section of Internet traffic cannot be sent legally over packet radio is one of the reasons they want to do this.
Re:It's dead either way, why not try this? (Score:5, Informative)
Ham radio is about:
If you are interested in those things, you will enjoy ham radio, restrictions and all. If you are not interested in those things, see ya.
Re:packet radio? (Score:5, Informative)
Ok, let me elaborate. The HAM network is almost completely self policed. It would be trivially easy to abuse the spectrum and ruin it for everyone so it's in everyone's best interest that people who don't follow the rules, who are using it for commercial gain for just one example, are reported and stopped. Allowing encrypted traffic would allow me to sell internet service to people in rural areas because there's no way to detect what is in the encrypted content. If something becomes profitable enough eventually you'll choke the spectrum and make it unusable for everyone. Keep in mind that this isn't a managed slice of spectrum, there's no one in charge of who is using what frequency where. Get enough sources broadcasting and it simply won't work.
FCC is not considering anything. (Score:5, Informative)
This is not a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM). This is simply a petition by a Citizen.
If the FCC decides to consider the petition, it will issue a NPRM and open a comment period. It will THEN consider the petition with the collection of public comments.
Re:packet radio? (Score:5, Informative)
Read the memo [fcc.gov], though. The main reason they want to allow encryption is for communication with government emergency services. The proposed change would only allow encryption for these reasons:
(a) signals exchanged between an amateur station and a space station in the amateur satellite service for the purpose of controlling the operation of the space station; and
(b) signals exchanged between an amateur station and an unattended amateur station for the purpose of controlling the operation of the unattended amateur station; and
(c) intercommunications when participating in emergency services operations or related training exercises which may involve information covered by HIPAA or other sensitive data such as logistical information concerning medical supplies, personnel movement, other relief supplies or any other data designated by Federal authorities managing relief or training efforts
This isn't about modernizing amateur radio or allowing exciting new uses, it's about making it compliant with other boring federal regulations.