ARRL Technician Practice Exam

To which foreign stations do the FCC rules authorize the transmission of non-emergency third party communications?

1. Any station whose government permits such communications

2. Only licensed operators

3. Only emergency services

4. Only maritime stations

The correct answer is: Any station whose government permits such communications

The FCC rules authorize the transmission of non-emergency third-party communications to any foreign station whose government permits such communications. This means that as long as the country where the foreign station is located allows these types of communications, U.S. amateur radio operators can transmit messages that aren’t just for emergency situations. This provision facilitates international communication and promotes goodwill and understanding among amateur radio operators across different nations. It reflects the principles of amateur radio as a means for fostering cooperation and camaraderie among individuals worldwide. In contrast, the other options are restricted in ways that do not align with the FCC regulations. For instance, limiting transmissions only to licensed operators does not capture the essence of third-party communications, which can include unlicensed individuals as long as they are communicating through a licensed operator. Similarly, focusing solely on emergency services or maritime stations ignores the broader context of communication that the FCC allows, which includes a multitude of international stations as long as they are permissible by their respective governments.