The ARRL Letter


John E. Ross, KD8IDJ [ mailto:jross@arrl.org ] , Editor | January 15, 2026

ARRL Home Page
http://www.arrl.org

ARRL Audio News
http://arrl.org/arrl-audio-news

[https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/amateur/]


In this Issue:
?-?New 60-Meter Frequencies Available as of February 13
?-?FCC Poised to Exempt Amateurs from Foreign Adversary Reporting
Requirements

?-?Bob Jones, VE7RWJ, Silent Key -- Former ITU Official and IARU Expert ?-?Texas Ham Radio Repeaters Now Solar-Powered
?-?Amateur Radio in the News
?-?ARRL Live Events and Podcasts
?-?Announcements
?-?The ARRL Solar Report
?-?Just Ahead in Radiosport
?-?Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

[https://www.arrl.org/HOA]


New 60-Meter Frequencies Available as of February 13

[https://tinyurl.com/mt8p8jpa]


The new 60-meter frequencies approved by the FCC in December will become available to amateurs as of February 13, 2026, along with new power restrictions on those frequencies. It's a bit confusing, as different rules apply to different segments of the band. The changes result from the FCC's action to approve a worldwide 60-meter amateur allocation made by the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2015 (WRC-15). See https://tinyurl.com/mt8p8jpa [ https://tinyurl.com/mt8p8jpa ] .


As of February 13, FCC-licensed amateur operators holding General Class or higher licenses may operate on a secondary basis anywhere between 5351.5 and 5366.5 kHz, subject to a maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz and maximum transmit power of 9.15 watts ERP (effective radiated power). For the purpose of computing ERP, the transmitter PEP (peak envelope power) is multiplied by the antenna gain relative to a half-wave dipole antenna. A half-wave dipole is presumed to have a gain of 1 (0 dBd). Amateurs using other antennas must maintain in their station records either the antenna manufacturer's data on
the antenna gain or calculations of the antenna gain.


Here's the confusing part: The existing 60-meter channels centered on 5332, 5348, 5373, and 5405 kHz remain as secondary amateur allocations with maximum power of 100 watts ERP. However, the old channel at 5358.5 kHz is eliminated
as it is now part of the new 5351.5-5366.5 kHz subband and subject to the
lower power limit.


For all 60-meter transmissions, emission bandwidth is limited to 2.8 kHz or less and amateurs must not cause harmful interference to, and must accept interference from, stations authorized by the United States (NTIA and FCC)
and other nations in the fixed service; and all other nations in the mobile service (except aeronautical mobile). Data or RTTY emissions in particular
must be limited in transmission length so as not to cause harmful
interference.

Digital mode operators must be familiar with offsets in order to stay within the authorized frequencies.


The new FCC rules take effect on February 13, which is 30 days after publication in the January 14 edition of the Federal Register [ https://tinyurl.com/5f4ctvhm ] . See also ARRL News [ https://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-allocates-60-meter-world-wide-amateur-band-approved-at-wrc-15-continues-amateur-use-of-four-addi?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] for related background.


[https://www.rooftowers.com/hoa-campaign/?free]


FCC Poised to Exempt Amateurs from Foreign Adversary Reporting Requirements

At the urging of ARRL, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is
expected to exempt radio amateurs from foreign adversary reporting requirements. These rules would have applied to citizens of the listed countries (see below), including those living in the United States, who hold
or are applying for an FCC license.


On January 8, 2026, the FCC released a draft Report and Order (R&O) [GN
Docket No. 25-166 [ https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings/filing/10108294009248 ] ; PDF
[ https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-417578A1.pdf ] ) expected to be adopted at its January 29 meeting that will, as requested by ARRL, exempt
radio amateurs from requirements that would have applied reporting
requirements to every FCC-authorized radio amateur "subject to the
jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary." This included "(a)ny individual, wherever located, who is a citizen of a foreign adversary or a country controlled by a foreign adversary, and is not a United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States." Foreign adversaries as defined
in the draft R&O are: (1) China, including Hong Kong and Macau; (2) Cuba; (3) Iran; (4) North Korea; (5) Russian Federation; and (6) "Venezuelan politician Nicol s Maduro."


The draft liberally cites ARRL's comments, agreeing that the nature of
amateur radio communication - as well as other individually-licensed radio services - poses minimal risk to public communications networks and that "the drain on Commission personnel and resources to process the collections and attestations for each individual licensee would far outweigh the little
benefit to the public or the agency of doing so."


[https://www.ccrane.com/arrl?utm_source=arrl&utm_medium=newsletter_banner&utm_campaign=2025_1&utm_content=ssb2]



Bob Jones, VE7RWJ, Silent Key -- Former ITU Official and IARU Expert

[https://www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jones-bob/]


Robert W. "Bob" Jones, VE7RWJ, a former top official of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Canadian telecommunications regulator,
passed away on January 7, 2026, at age 82. His early fascination with amateur radio led to a career in telecommunications and engineering, according to his obituary.


Jones was Director General of the Canadian Radiocommunications and
Broadcasting Regulatory Branch from the 1970s through the mid-1990s, and led the Canadian delegation to various ITU conferences between 1977 and 1994,
when he was elected as Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau (ITU-R). He served in that leadership post from 1995 to 2003. Jones continued his involvement with ITU as a member of the Radio Regulations Board from 2007 to 2010, and received an ITU Silver Medal at the end of his term.


[https://www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jones-bob/]


Jones was an active amateur first licensed in 1959 as VE3CTM, and
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Secretary Joel Harrison, W5ZN, noted that he "was VERY helpful to amateur radio" during his time as ITU-R
director, adding that when he retired, Bob "became one of the IARU Technical Experts and worked with us for several years on WRC (World Radiocommunication Conference) matters."


ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, noted that Jones will be remembered
during a moment of silence for Silent Keys at this week's ARRL Board of Directors Annual Meeting.


A celebration of life for Jones will be held on Saturday, January 17, in Kelowna, British Columbia. The service will also be livestreamed. Details are on the funeral home website [ https://www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jones-bob/ ] .


[https://surgestop.com/filter-products/index.html]


Texas Ham Radio Repeaters Now Solar-Powered

The Fredericksburg Repeater Operators Group [ https://www.w5fbg.com/ ] , a group of amateur radio operators in Gillespie County, Texas, now have their radio repeaters operational on solar power. Thanks to a grant from the ARRL Foundation [ https://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-foundation?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , the repeater site can remain on the air, without interruption, during critical events despite loss of commercial power.


[https://www.w5fbg.com/]


For many years, the group has provided amateur radio repeater services to the community. It also maintains a set of repeaters located at nearby Methodist Hospital Hill Country in Fredericksburg, to be used in times of public need such as the solar eclipse events of the past few years, severe weather
events, and fires. These repeaters provide backup communication should such
be needed.


One of the five hams who worked on the project, Dee Hester, K7UD, said this means they will have communications during any kind of emergency event.

"The site is in a great location and we have three repeaters operating 24/7," said Hester. "Over the past three years, we had at least two events, a major fire and an ice storm, and without power, communications was not possible.

Hopefully, we are now better prepared and it won't happen again." Hester
added that the site will also benefit the Amateur Radio Emergency Service(R) (ARES(R)) as well as the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES).


For more information, visit the group's website [ https://www.w5fbg.com/ ] .

Amateur Radio in the News

"Ham radio repeater now powered by solar [ https://www.fredericksburgstandard.com/2026/01/14/ham-radio-repeater-now-powered-solar/
] " / The Fredericksburg Standard (Texas) January 14, 2026 -- The Fredericksburg Repeater Operators Group.


Dr. Duino
[http://www.digirig.net/]


ARRL Live Events and Podcasts

On the Air LIVE
[https://learn.arrl.org/events]


On the Air LIVE

Join ARRL Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, as he dives into Near Vertical Incidence Skywave Antennas and why they're a powerhouse for
dependable regional HF communications.



Up Next:

?"- Date: January 27, 2026
?- Time: 8 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific
?'? Register Now [ https://learn.arrl.org/webinars/89228 ] | ? Previously Recorded Sessions [ https://learn.arrl.org/events ]


ARRL Audio News
[http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news]


ARRL Audio News
Listen to ARRL Audio News [ http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , available every Friday. ARRL Audio News is a summary of the week's top
news stories in the world of amateur radio and ARRL, along with interviews
and other features. More info [ https://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] | Listen on Blubrry [ https://blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ ] | Also available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.


ARRL On the Air
[http://www.arrl.org/on-the-air-podcast]


On the Air
Sponsored by Icom

The America250 Worked All States Operating Event

This year ARRL is celebrating America's 250th birthday by holding an all-year operating event called America 250 Worked All States. It has already started, so listen to the January 2026 On the Air podcast to learn how to jump right
in. ARRL Radiosport and Regulatory Information Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, explains the rules and awards, and offers some operating strategies.

More info [ http://www.arrl.org/on-the-air-podcast?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] | Listen on Blubrry [ https://blubrry.com/arrlontheair/ ] | Also available
on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.


[https://youtu.be/CxXh6Dh1-5o?list=PLuapIzKwhZN_5fTys9NfON5vDkwCw7Oj5]


Announcements

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is
seeking formal and informal educational institutions and organizations, individually or working together, to host an amateur radio contact with a
crew member on board the International Space Station (ISS). ARISS anticipates the contact would be held between July 1 and December 31, 2026. Crew
scheduling and ISS orbits will determine the exact contact dates.

To maximize these radio contact opportunities, ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan.

The deadline to submit a proposal is February 27, 2026. Proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines, and the proposal form can be found at www.ariss.org [ https://www.ariss.org/ ] .


Schulman Auction Amateur Radio Equipment Specialists [http://www.schulmanauction.com/]
[https://preppcomm.com/]
[https://www.w2phradio.com/]


Rigol RF Test Gear [https://www.rigolna.com/products/digital-multimeters/dm800/?utm_source=QST&utm_medium=eNews&utm_campaign=DM858]

Radioddity Xiegu X6200 Multi-mode HF Radio [https://ai6ym.radio/picofox/?utm_source=arrl&utm_medium=email&utm_id=pfox4] Flex Radio FT8 [https://www.flexradio.com/insider/articles/ft8-tipping-point-for-ham-radio/]


[https://www.radioddity.com/products/xiegu-g106?utm_medium=banner&utm_source=ARRL&utm_campaign=The+ARRL+Letter&utm_content=Xiegu_G106]

[https://rigexpert.com/news/match-upgradeable-antenna-and-cable-analyzer/]


Open Positions at ARRL
Come join the headquarters staff of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio(R)! We are currently seeking qualified applicants for the following positions:


Membership Manager
Senior RFI Lab Engineer
Public Relations and Outreach Manager

Full details may be found on the ARRL HR web page at www.arrl.org/careers [ http://www.arrl.org/careers?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] .


ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.

The ARRL Solar Report

ARRL Solar Report for 1-15-26

Solar activity reached moderate levels due to an M1.6 flare on January 14
from new region 4341; spot classification of this region is complicated by
limb proximity and foreshortening effects. New Region 4342 rotated around the NE limb and was also numbered. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections
(CMEs) were observed. Solar activity is expected to be low with a 25-30%
chance for M-class flares (R1-R2, minor-moderate) over January 15 -17.


Solar wind parameters were elevated under continued negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) influences. Solar wind speed ranged mostly between 450-570 km/s.


Solar wind parameters are expected to gradually diminish over January 15 -
17. Another enhancement in the solar wind is expected early on January 17
when a current, positive polarity, CH HSS is expected to become geoeffective. Solar wind speed is likely to exceed 700 km/s based on recurrent data.


The 10.7-centimeter flux: January 15, 110; January 16, 108; January 17 - 18, 106; January 19, 110; January 20, 115; January 21, 125; January 22, 135.


Predicted sunspot numbers: January 15, 122; January 16, 117; January 17, 128; January 18, 113; January 19, 133; January 20, 110; January 21, 138.


For more information concerning radio propagation, visit [ https://www.arrl.org/technical-information-service?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&_zs=OV2xl&_zl=TltC3&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] the ARRL Technical Information Service, read A Quick Guide to HF
Propagation Using Solar Indices [ https://www.qsl.net/4x4xm/Propagation/HF-Propagation-Solar-Indices.htm ] ,
and check out [ https://k9la.us/ ] the Propagation Page of Carl
Luetzelschwab, K9LA.


For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website [ https://www.voacap.com/ ] .


[https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2026924035]


Just Ahead in Radiosport

?-?January 17 - 18 -- Hungarian DX Contest (CW, phone)
?-?January 17 - 19 -- PRO DIGI Contest (digital)
?-?January 17 - 18 -- North American QSO Party, SSB [
https://ncjweb.com/naqp/ ] (phone)

?-?January 17 - 18 -- NA Collegiate Championship, SSB (phone)
?-?January 17 - 19 -- ARRL January VHF Contest [ https://www.arrl.org/january-vhf/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] (CW, phone, digital)

?-?January 17 - 18 -- Feld Hell Sprint (digital)
?-?January 18 - 19 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
?-?January 19 -- RSGB FT4 Contest (digital)
?-?January 22 -- NAQCC CW Sprint (CW)
?-?January 23 - 25 -- CQ 160m Contest (CW)
?-?January 24 - 25 -- REF Contest (CW)
?-?January 24 - 25 -- BARTG RTTY Sprint (digital)
?-?January 24 - 25 -- Winter Field Day (CW, phone, digital)
?-?January 25 - 26 -- Australia Day Contest (CW, phone, digital)
?-?January 28 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
?-?January 28 -- UKEICC CW Sprint (CW)

Remember to visit the ARRL Contest Calendar [ https://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar?_zs=OV2xl&_zl=geQ73&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL%20website%20amateur%20radio%20&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL


&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaig&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] for more events and information.


Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

?-?January 16 - 17 | Southwest Florida Regional Hamfest [ http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southwest-florida-regional-hamfest-2026-fort-myers-arrl-southern-florida-section-convention-1?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , ARRL Southern Florida Section Convention, Fort Myers, Florida

?-?January 30 - 31 | Jackson MS Capital City Hamfest [ http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/jackson-ms-capital-city-hamfest-arrl-mississippi-state-convention?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , ARRL Mississippi State Convention, Jackson, Mississippi

?-?February 7 | Hendricks County Hamfest [ http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/hendricks-county-hamfest-arrl-indiana-section-convention-1?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , hosting the ARRL Indiana Section Convention, Danville, Indiana

?-?February 13 - 15 | Orlando HamCation [ http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/orlando-hamcation-arrl-southeastern-division-convention-1?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , hosting the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention, Orlando, Florida

?-?February 20 - 21 | Greater Houston HamFest [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/greater-houston-hamfest-arrl-texas-state-convention-2?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , hosting the ARRL Texas State Convention, Rosenberg, Texas

?-?February 27 - 28 | ARRL Southwestern Division Convention [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arrl-southwestern-division-convention?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , Yuma Arizona

?-?February 28 | HAM-CON [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/ham-con-arrl-vermont-state-convention-5?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , ARRL Vermont State Convention, Colchester, Vermont

?-?March 6 - 7 | BirmingHAMfest [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/birminghamfest-arrl-alabama-section-convention-2?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , hosting the ARRL Alabama Section Convention, Trussville, Alabama

?-?March 15 | WINTERFEST 2026 - The National Capital Area Ham Radio Fair [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/winterfest-2026-the-national-capital-area-ham-radio-fair-arrl-virginia-state-convention?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , ARRL Virginia State Convention, Vienna, Virginia


Remember to search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar?_zs=OV2xl&_zl=nww63&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] Database to find events in your area.


Have News for ARRL?
Submissions for The ARRL Letter and ARRL News can be sent to news@arrl.org [ mailto:news@arrl.org ] . -- John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, ARRL News Editor [ mailto:news@arrl.org ]


[http://www.arrl.org]


ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for Amateur Radio News and Information

Join ARRL or renew today! [ https://www.arrl.org/join?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ] No other organization works harder to promote and protect amateur radio. Membership supports benefits, services, programs, and advocacy to help you
get (and stay) active and on the air. Membership includes access to digital editions of all four ARRL magazines [ https://www.arrl.org/magazines?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] : QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.


Listen to ARRL Audio News [ http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] , available every Friday.


The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly to the Blind-hams Groups.io [ https://groups.io/g/blind-hams ] email group. The
group is dedicated to discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.


NCJ -- National Contest Journal [ http://www.ncjweb.com/ ] . Published bimonthly, features articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprints, and QSO parties.


QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters [ http://www.arrl.org/qex?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] . Published bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects, columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and communications professionals.


Free of charge to ARRL members...

Subscribe [ https://home.arrl.org/action/My-Account/Opt-In-Out ] to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest newsletter), Division and Section news
alerts, and much more!


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The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 51 times each year. ARRL members may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their profile at www.arrl.org/opt-in-out [ http://www.arrl.org/opt-in-out?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
] .


Copyright ?(c) 2026 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other purposes require written permission.


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