This is the message from Ken Yamamoto, JA1CJP, Secretary of IARU-R3, as well as the messages from Tim Ellam, IARU President, regarding the proposed allocation of the 430 MHz band to the North American company AST for use by its commercial satellites.
Dear Colleagues:
Some of you may be aware of AST’s submission, accepted by the FCC, for the use of 430 – 440 MHz for TT&C in its 248-satellite constellation.
IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, has contacted the IARU regional organizations regarding this matter and draws our attention to the relevant article of the IARU Constitution and IARU resolutions: He mentioned that IARU and its member societies should respond to the FCC Public Notice through ARRL, as he believes it is a national issue, although it would have a global impact.
73, Ken Yamamoto JA1CJP
Secretary, IARU Region 3
secretary@iaru-r3.org
IARU President’s First Message
Colleagues:
I appreciate the interest shown by several member societies regarding the FCC’s actions in licensing AST. I can see that there are a number of comments submitted on the FCC portal from individual amateurs, AMSAT, and some member societies.
I also understand that the FCC’s action with AST has a global effect, but (and very importantly) to have the greatest impact, our representations to the FCC must be coordinated. I have dealt with the FCC for clients in my professional capacity and can tell you that a “numbers game” with mass filings has very little impact.
The following is important, and I appreciate that it may be news to some. Please note Article II (4) of the current IARU Constitution and Resolution 85 – 8 (exclusive right of a member society to represent the IARU in its country or territory) and Resolution 86 – 3 (guaranteeing the exclusive right of a member society to represent the IARU before its government). I understand that both resolutions are old, but they were implemented to address this very issue. Both resolutions are operational in all of our member societies. While the FCC’s actions have a potential global impact, it is incumbent on ARRL as a member society in the United States to address the regulator.
I can confirm that ARRL attorney Dave Siddall is preparing a response to the FCC before the August 2, 2025, comment deadline. In light of IARU Resolutions 85 – 8 and 86 – 3, ARRL will take the lead in responding to the FCC.
Member societies wishing to comment on the AST issue can send their responses to Mr. Siddall, where they will be added as an attachment to the ARRL filing (which will obviously be publicly available).
We understand that the BFRA has already submitted comments to the FCC, and perhaps for greater clarity, they will agree that their letter can also be included in the ARRL attachment.
Since we want to ensure a coordinated approach to our response on the AST issue and in accordance with the IARU Constitution and resolutions, I would ask member societies to follow the above process and refrain from submitting comments directly to the FCC.
I ask the regions to disseminate this information to their respective member societies.
We appreciate your understanding. Thank you.
73, Tim Ellam, VE6SH
Also available in Español (Spanish).