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T1C03

COMMISSION'S RULES · Licensing: classes, sequential and vanity call sign systems, places where the Amateur Radio Service is regulated by the FCC, name and address on FCC license database, term, renewal, grace period, maintaining mailing address; International communications

T1C03§ 97.117T1C →

What types of international communications are FCC-licensed amateur radio stations permitted to make?

  1. ACommunications incidental to the purposes of the Amateur Radio Service and remarks of a personal character
  2. BCommunications incidental to conducting business or remarks of a personal nature
  3. COnly communications incidental to contest exchanges; all other communications are prohibited
  4. DAny communications that would be permitted by an international broadcast station
Why FCC rule 97.117 limits international amateur communications to those incidental to the purposes of the Amateur Radio Service, plus remarks of a personal character. In other words, when you talk to a station in another country you can exchange signal reports, technical talk, contest exchanges and friendly personal chat, but the contact must stay within the hobby's purposes. This mirrors international agreements that keep amateur radio non-commercial and non-third-party-business in nature.
Watch out The choice mentioning business is wrong because conducting business is exactly what amateur communications may not be used for; the contest-only choice is far too narrow, since ordinary conversation with foreign amateurs is clearly allowed.
International QSOs: amateur purposes plus personal remarks. If it sounds like business or broadcasting, it is out.
HamSandwich explanation, first draft. The question and answers are the NCVEC text.
47 CFR 97.117 International communications.

Transmissions to a different country, where permitted, shall be limited to communications incidental to the purposes of the amateur service and to remarks of a personal character.

eCFR text as of 1 Sep 2026 · read on ecfr.gov
← T1C02 All of T1C T1C04 →

The rest of T1C

  1. T1C01 For which classes of amateur radio licenses does the FCC currently issue new licenses?
  2. T1C02 Who may select a desired call sign under the vanity call sign rules?
  3. T1C03 What types of international communications are FCC-licensed amateur radio stations permitted to make?
  4. T1C04 What may happen if the FCC is unable to reach you by email?
  5. T1C05 Which of the following is a valid Group D call sign format for Technician class?
  6. T1C06 Which of the following statements is true about using your amateur radio license when operating aboard a vess…
  7. T1C07 How long before the expiration date may an amateur radio license renewal be requested?
  8. T1C08 What is the normal term for an FCC-issued amateur radio license?
  9. T1C09 What is the grace period for renewal if an amateur license expires?
  10. T1C10 How soon after passing the examination for your first amateur radio license may you transmit on the amateur r…
  11. T1C11 If your license has expired and is still within the allowable grace period, may you continue to transmit on t…
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