WASHINGTON — A Pennsylvania ham radio operator has agreed to pay a $7,000 fine for “intentionally causing interference to other amateur radio operators’ transmissions and failing to provide station identification when transmitting,” according to a press release from the Federal Communications Commission.
The FCC worked with the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania to reach an settlement with Brian Crow (K3VR) of North Huntingdon, Pa., based on an FCC Forfeiture Order.
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Additionally, the agreeement says he is also limited to “Technician Class” operating privileges for the next six months, after which he may be again be authorized to operate with “Amateur Extra” operating privileges, assuming he does not violate the commission’s rules during that period.
“When a ‘ham radio’ operator interferes with other operators, the whole amateur radio system is threatened – potentially to the point that it could fall apart,” FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Rosemary Harold said in the settlement announcement. “Amateur radio licensees know that the rules require them to share the airwaves, which means that bad actors cannot plead ignorance. This settlement is a significant payment for an individual operator, and it sends a serious message: Play by the rules in the amateur radio band or face real consequences.”
