If You Rent, Read This!

by Bob, W1RH

The FCC has adopted rules on the use of satellite dishes and other over-the-air reception devices for renters and others with exclusive use areas. 
Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directed the Commission to enact regulations to prohibit restrictions that impair a viewer's ability to receive video programming through devices designed for over-the-air reception of direct broadcast satellite service (such as Direct TV, Primestar, or The Dish Network), wireless cable, or television broadcast signals.  At that time, the FCC adopted the rule that currently applies to antenna restrictions on property within the exclusive use or control of an antenna user who has a direct or indirect ownership interest in the property. 
The Commission has now amended the above rule such that it prohibits restrictions that impair the use of dishes and television antennas in rented apartments, homes, or other dwellings, and adjacent outside property such as balconies, patios, gardens or yards that are exclusively used by the renter.
The above is somewhat similar to what American Amateurs know as PRB-1.  It says that, if you rent, no one can prohibit you from installing a dish or TV antenna on any part of the property exclusively used by you.  This is good news if you watch TV and could be good news if he Commission were to make similar amendments to PRB-1.  Stay tuned, it would appear that the "door is open."

QSL Card

Submitted by Martin, AA1ON

Thanks to Martin, AA1ON, for submitting this month's QSL card.  Martin worked A15AB when he was operating as G4DZC/W2 in February 1988.  The QSO was on 20 meter SSB.  The dxpedition operator was Harry, DL8CM who was operating from the Quoin Lighthouse in the Abu Ail Islands.  Martin was one of the last stations to make it in the log of this dxpedition.
The Abu Ail Islands and Jabal at Tair Island were designated the A1 prefix and became a DXCC country in November 1945.  The ARRL Awards Committee voted unanimously to accept the DXAC recommendation to delete Abu Ail Islands from the DXCC Countries List, effective March 31, 1991.  When the Red Sea Lights Company relinquished control of the islands on that date, they became unadministered and no longer qualified for DXCC country status.  The islands are now considered part of Djibouti and the prefix is J2/A although the A1 prefix might still be used.  The islands have also been considered part of Yemen.  This formerly rare DXCC country is now a rare IOTA island designated AS035.  The lighthouse is located at the point where the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden meet.

The Circuit is in need of QSL cards!!!
If you would like to share your favorite QSL card, which could be your own, with the club, please send it my way!  A caption or story would be appreciated also.
Don't let not having a scanner keep you from sending in your favorite card.  Many FARA Members have access to scanners, including Bob, W1RH.