Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2530 for Friday, April 24th, 2026 Amateur
Radio Newsline Report Number 2530 with a release date of Friday, April
24th, 2026 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. The FCC grants a satellite constellation
company the ability to provide cell phone service from space. A popular
antenna maker returns to the ham radio market -- and New Zealand
amateurs prepare to mark the centennial of their national organization.
All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2530 comes
your way right now.

**
BILLBOARD CART

**
BREAKING NEWS: FCC GRANTS FREQUENCIES' USE FOR SATELLITE SERVICE

JIM/ANCHOR; We begin this week with breaking news. As Newsline prepared
to go to production, the US Federal Communications Commission announced
that it had authorized AST SpaceMobile's full, 248-satellite
constellation to use requested parts of the radio spectrum, including
those that had drawn objections from the amateur radio community.

The agency's move will permit AST to fulfill its goal of providing
services to consumers in so-called "dead zones," regions without
terrestrial networks, especially for emergency services. The successful application on behalf of the low-Earth orbit satellite system was
granted on the 21st of April with conditions. The grant for the use of
698 to 960 MHz includes permission to make use of 430 to 440 MHz for
emergency control and tracking of the satellites - a move that amateur
radio operators feared would cause interference with hams' operations.

The FCC said that AST emergency telemetry use will be limited to the
430.5MHz, 432.3MHz, 434.1MHz, 435.9MHz, and 439.5MHz frequencies for a
duration of less than 24 hours. The FCC has said in the past that
interference with ham radio was "unlikely."

(FCC, PC MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA)

**
STEPPIR ANNOUNCES RETURN TO AMATEUR RADIO MARKET

JIM/ANCHOR: A leading US antenna manufacturer is coming back to the ham
radio marketplace following its departure last summer. Travis Lisk
N3ILS picks up the story from here.

TRAVIS: SteppIR, which announced last summer that it was halting
production of its popular antennas for the amateur radio market, is
returning to the ham radio business.

A recent statement on the website of the Washington State company said
that although SteppIR had decided last year to focus on commercial
sales, recent favorable developments in that sector are permitting the
company to resume supplying hams with antenna kits, parts and
accessories as before. The ham radio market is to be served only by
online sales.

SteppIR said that the commercial side of its business may lead to the introduction of new products for amateur radio. Its statement
acknowledged that its earlier decision was made [quote] "in search of
more stable long-term income sources" [endquote] but said that SteppIR
never gave up the hope that it would go back to serving amateur radio
operators in some way.

This is Travis Lisk N3ILS.

(STEPPIR, QRZ.COM, AMATEUR RADIO DAILY, STEVE STROH N8GNJ)

**
FREQUENCIES IDENTIFIED FOR EXPANDING 6G ON 2.7 GHz BAND

JIM/ANCHOR: Plans are moving ahead for 6G services to expand on the
2.7 GHz band, as we learn from Kent Peterson KC0DGY.

KENT: The promise of creating space for 6G communications on the 2.7
GHz band has moved closer to reality in the US, following the band's
successful technical review by the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration, part of the US Department of Commerce.

The NTIA had been mandated to find room for full-power commercial
licensed use on the band, which already has a pair of primary users
-the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal
Aviation Administraction. The NTIA issued a press release stating that
it is assisting both agencies to make sure that radar systems, weather monitoring and aviation safety technology will not be vulnerable to interference.

Arielle Roth, the NTIA administrator, said [quote] "This milestone
brings us one step closer to ensuring the American people realize the
full benefit of this spectrum as quickly as possible." [endquote]

A report last year by the Global System for Mobile Communications
Association cautioned that communication capacity will be challenged by
2030 unless more midband is identified for 6G use.

This is Kent Peterson KC0DGY.

(NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION,
TELECOMPETITOR)

**
MODERN RADIOS TO LIGHT UP BESIDE HISTORIC MILLS

JIM/ANCHOR: The Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group wants everyone to
know that where there's a mill.....there's a way. So get ready to
activate some of these historic sites - or chase operators who are
there. Dave Lee M7TLB tells us how.

DAVE: Windmills. Watermills. Tidal Mills. Even Horse Mills. Historic
sites like these, scattered throughout the UK, are celebrated annually
in early May by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. In
1996, the former Denby Dale Radio Society joined that effort by
creating the Mills on the Air special event which, this year, takes
place on Saturday the 9th of May and Sunday the 10th of May.

The Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group, who organise this event now,
stress that this not a contest but a recognition of the historical
importance of each of these sites. Hams wishing to call CQ from any of
these sites need to register on the event website and provide full
information in the online form. Operators must, of course, secure
permission from each of the mills to operate there.

Of course, there will be awards - and shortwave listeners are
encouraged to participate as well. This year, the organisers are asking
that all award applicants consider making a donation to their local
historic mill or directly to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

For details about registering or to find out more about logging
contacts, visit nharg.org.uk Meanwhile, the Society has been collecting
stories from volunteers, owners or even amateur historians about the
various mills in the UK, Ireland or Europe and how they evolved. The
stories will be published in a book. Submission deadline is the 1st of
May, Visit the society website at spab.org.uk for information on how to contribute.

This is Dave Lee M7TLB.

(SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS, NUNSFIELD HOUSE
AMATEUR RADIO GROUP)

**
ARRL HONORS OFFICER FOR SERVICE TO PENNSYLVANIA CLUB

JIM/ANCHOR: Congratulations to Bill Power KB3WP who was honored
recently by the ARRL for his long service to the Two Rivers Amateur
Radio Club in Pennsylvania. Bill, who has been secretary for the past
three years, had been nominated for the Gilbert Crossley Award for
Exemplary Club Leadership by club president Jim Bricker, N3JHB. Jim
told Newsline that Bill's history of handling club correspondence as
well as members' questions, with kindness and accuracy and his
willingness to help whenever needed inspired him to nominate him for
the honor. The presentation was made by ARRL Western Pennsylvania
Manager, Joe Shupienis W3BC.

(JIM BRICKER, N3JHB)

**
ONE HUNDRED REASONS TO ATTEND NEW ZEALAND CONVENTION

JIM D/ANCHOR: There are 100 reasons why hams in New Zealand are
planning to attend this year's conference of the New Zealand
Association of Radio Transmitters. One hundred reasons - one for each
year the association has served radio operators. Jim Meachen ZL2BHF
explains why this as much a celebration as a conference.

JIM M: An annual conference comes along every year but a centennial
conference only comes along every 100 years - once in a lifetime. The
New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters will be honouring its
past and looking toward its future on the 30th and 31st of May in
Auckland as guests gather for the milestone centennial conference.

The ham radio spirit of experimentation will acknowledge the earliest adventures in wireless and will explore the way today's hams test our
advanced digital technologies.

Presentations will tell NZART's story from its earliest origins. NZART
members who pay for a full registration to the conference will receive
a free copy of an illustrated book that tells the association's
history. Other copies will also be available to purchase.

Registration has opened and visitors who book their accommodations
before the 26th of April will be eligible for discounted rates.

Details are available from the link that appears in the text version of
this week's newscast at arnewsline.org

This is Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.

[DO NOT READ: https://nzart100conference.nzart.org.nz/ ]

(NZART)

BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur
Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including
the WR2ABA repeater system of the Larkfield Amateur Radio Club in
Huntington, New York, on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. local time.
**

SILENT KEY: FORMER ARI PRESIDENT GRAZIANO SARTORI, I0SSH

JIM/ANCHOR: A longtime radio amateur is being remembered for his
leadership in the national amateur radio society of Italy and a variety
of other significant contributions to ham radio in that nation. Jason
Daniels VK2LAW tells us about him.

JASON: Graziano Sartori, I0SSH, served the ARI, Italy's national ham
radio society, first as vice president of the Rome section and later,
as the national president. He is credited with developing the first
database of Italy's amateur radio callsigns. Joining in a long-running
campaign with international amateur radio organisations, Graziano was a
vocal proponent for having Morse Code listed as an Intangible Cultural
Heritage element with UNESCO.

Graziano died on the 8th of April. A tribute to him on the ARI website described him as a leader whose actions and personal interest in his
fellow hams made him effective in his various roles throughout his long association with the organisation.

He was 89.

This is Jason Daniels VK2LAW.

(ARI, QRZ.COM)

**
NOMINATE NEWSLINE'S NEXT YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR

JIM/ANCHOR One day, a promising young ham is going to make headlines
for his or her contributions to amateur radio. It all begins here, with
the Amateur Radio Newsline Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Young Ham of
the Year award. So don't forget: You only have until the 31st of May to
tell us about a promising young ham who is already making a difference
in a big way. Nominees must be licensed hams who are 18 years of age or
younger and they must reside in the continental United States.

Visit our website - arnewsline-dot-org and find the nomination form
under the awards tab. Submit the documentation that tells us how your
nominee has played an important role, not just in the community of
fellow amateurs but in the community at large.

**
ARDC NEEDS TECHNICAL WRITER, SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

JIM/ANCHOR: Amateur Radio Digital Communications is looking to fill two part-time contract positions to support its ongoing work and software development. Daniel Garcia W2DIY tells us more about the jobs.

DANIEL: ARDC has remote positions open for a software developer and a
technical writer who are experienced professionals familiar with Free
and Open Source projects. Both jobs are open to active amateur radio
operators.

The software developer is expected to be involved in bug fixes, code
review and deployment and be capable ot writing documentation that is
developer focused. JavaScript, CSS, HTML, MySQL, PHP and Linux fluency
is required. Candidates must have had prior experience with either ARDC
or 44Net.

The technical writer must be capable of writing for a public audience
on topics relating to digital communications and amateur radio. A
record of previously published articles is considered a plus.

Both positions report to ARDC's Technical Director.

For more details about requirements for these jobs, which carry a
two-month renewable contract, see the links in the text version of this
week's newscast at arnewsline.org

[DO NOT READ: https://www.ardc.net/ardc-is-hiring-software-developer/ ]
[DO NOT READ: https://www.ardc.net/ardc-is-hiring-technical-writer/ ]

This is Daniel Garcia W2DIY.

(ARDC)

**
RSGB HEADQUARTERS STATION WELCOMES GUEST OPS IN JULY

JIM/ANCHOR: If you've ever wanted to operate as part of the
headquarters station of the Radio Society of Great Britain - and if
you're planning to be in the UK in July - now's your chance to get on
board, as we hear from Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

JEREMY: Guest operators are being invited to get on the air this July
as part of station GR2HQ, the Radio Society of Great Britain's
headquarters team in the IARU HF World Championship contest. With many
of the station's regular operators involved instead this year in
assisting with the World Radiosport Team Championship, opportunities
are now available for visiting operators.

In a notice in the WRTC2026 groups.io discussion, Nick Totterdell,
G4FAL, chairman of the RSGB HF Contest Committee, said that the
invitation to join the headquarters team station is extended only to
those radio operators who are not committed to supporting the WRTC
during the contest period.

There is a good choice of locations throughout the UK. A maximum of 12
stations will be using the callsign GR2HQ in the IARU event from such
locations in Wales, Scotland and England on the six contest bands.

Nick said that operating will be done in shifts at the various sites,
most of which will be in members' homes. Some locations will also be
operating "field-day" style. Interested radio operators should send an
email to contestclub at rsgbcc dot org. That's contestclub - one word
-at rsgbcc dot org.

This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

(GROUPS.IO)

**
WORLD OF DX

Listen for Arnaud, F4AGG, and Luc, F5RAV, using the callsigns C5D and
C5C respectively, from The Gambia between the 24th of April and the 8th
of May. C5D will be active on RTTY, PSK and FT8 and C5C will be using
SSB and CW. They are also scheduling an activation on the Bijol
Islands, IOTA Number AF-060, where they will be using the callsign C5B
and operating via satellite RS-44.

A group of operators from Belgium will be using the callsign GB9IOW (G
B 9 EYE OH W) from the Isle of Wight, IOTA Number EU-120, from the 28th
of April through to the 5th of May. They will be operating SSB, CW and
digital modes on the HF bands and 6 metres as well as via the QO-100
satellite and 23 cm moonbounce.

Listen for Mitsuru, JE1HXZ, using the callsign JE1HXZ/6 from Kuchino
Island in theTokara Islands, IOTA Number AS-049, on the 21st through to
the 28th of April. He will be active using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8/FT4 on
the HF bands and 6 metres.


For QSL information and other details about any of these stations,
visit their pages on QRZ.com

(425 DX BULLETIN)

**
KICKER: HAM CLUB'S LIBRARY LOAN ISN'T DONE BY THE BOOK

JIM DAMRON/ANCHOR: Few things symbolize the generous spirit of lending
more than a library. It houses wisdom, entertainment and life lessons,
offering it all freely to borrowers as a community service. In Arizona,
one amateur radio club has turned that definition inside out - by being
the ones making a loan to the library instead. Jim Davis W2JKD has this
week's final story.

JIM DAVIS: Now here's a library loan that any ham could appreciate:
Some rigs and other shack equipment - all in good repair and
functioning - showcased so the folks in Prescott, Arizona, can see what
all this radio fuss and excitement is about.

The borrower is the Prescott Public Library. The lender is the Yavapai
Amateur Radio Club. Acting on a suggestion from club member Jim
Zimmerman, N6KZ, the club offered to design a display area that is used
by organizations on a temporary basis inside the library. The equipment
has been on display through April, accompanied by details that explain
what ham radio operators do -- and why.

Jim told Newsline in an email: [quote] "We are hoping to get some
middle [and] high school student interest, as we have a nice club
station, W7YRC, that we can show the kids how to operate." [endquote]
He said a few youngsters have already asked about becoming hams and
even the library staff has been intrigued.

If things go according to plan, the club may consider returning with
another display next year. But for now, like library books themselves,
the exhibit has an expiration date which, in this case, is the 30th of
April. So for now, it's on borrowed time.

This is Jim Davis, W2JKD

(JIM ZIMMERMAN, N6KZ; WIA)

**
NEWSCAST CLOSE

With thanks to Amateur Radio Daily, AMSAT News; ARDC; ARI; David Behar,
K7DB; FCC; 425DX News; Jim Bricker N3JHB, Jim Zimmerman, N6KZ; National Telecommunications & Information Administration; Nunsfield House
Amateur Radio Group; NZART; PC Magazine Australia; QRZ.com Forums;
Radio Society of Great Britain; shortwaveradio.de; Society for the
Protection of Ancient Buildings; Telecompetitor; Wireless Institute of Australia; and you our listeners, that's all from the Amateur Radio
Newsline. We remind our listeners that Amateur Radio Newsline is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that incurs expenses for its
continued operation. If you wish to support us, please visit our
website at arnewsline.org and know that we appreciate you all. We also
remind our listeners that if you like our newscast, please leave us a
5-star rating wherever you subscribe to us.

For now, with Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT at the news desk in New York, and
our news team worldwide, I'm Jim Damron N8TMW in Charleson West
Virginia saying 73. As always we thank you for listening. Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2026. Amateur Radio Newsline retains
ownership of its material even when retransmitted elsewhere. All rights
are reserved.


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