Administrative Council of the International Amateur Radio Union

1. The eighteenth meeting of the Administrative Council of the International Amateur Radio Union convened at 1400 local time Saturday, 3 October 1998 at the Hotel Bella Vista, Porlamar, Venezuela, with President Richard L. Baldwin, W1RU, in the Chair. Also present were the following members: Michael J. Owen, VK3KI, Vice President; Larry E. Price, W4RA, Secretary; Louis van de Nadort, PA0LOU, Chairman, and Wojciech Nietyksza, SP5FM, Vice Chairman, IARU Region 1; Thomas B. J. Atkins, VE3CDM, President, and Pedro Seidemann, YV5BPG, Secretary, IARU Region 2; and Fred Johnson, ZL2AMJ, Chairman, and Yoshiji Sekido, JJ1OEY, Director, IARU Region 3. There were also present, at the invitation of the Council, Tim Hughes, G3GVV, Co-Secretary, IARU Region 1; Eduardo Estrada, HC2EE, Director, IARU Region 2; David A. Wardlaw, VK3ADW, Director, IARU Region 3; and Rod Stafford, W6ROD, President, David Sumner, K1ZZ, Executive Vice President and Secretary, and Paul Rinaldo, W4RI, Technical Relations Manager, American Radio Relay League, for the International Secretariat.

2. A moment of silence was observed for colleagues who had passed away since the previous meeting of the Administrative Council, notably Past Region 1 Secretary Eric Godsmark, G5CO.

3. The following agenda for the meeting was adopted. Consultation with the International Secretariat had been listed as item 5.4 in the tentative agenda but was moved to item 4.4 at the request of Mr. Stafford.

Agenda

1. Opening of meeting by the President

2. Introduction of all present and Moment of Silence

3. Approval of Agenda of meeting

4. Reports of the officers

4.1. Report of the President -- Mr. Baldwin
4.2. Report of the Vice President -- Mr. Owen
4.3. Report of the Secretary -- Mr. Price
4.4. Consultation with International Secretariat -- Mr. Stafford

16. Adjournment

4. Reports of the officers

4.1. Mr. Baldwin's written report as President noted that he had had the opportunity to present the Amateur Radio Administration course in three locations since the September 1997 Beijing meeting of the Council: Dar es Salaam, Guayaquil, and Ho Chi Minh City. He anticipates an opportunity to present the course in Cape Verde in November, and hopes that it will be possible for the IARU to accept an invitation to do so in Havana soon. African Development remains a high priority for the IARU. Better ways must be found of maintaining contact with those whom we have trained. The report concluded by noting there have been suggestions that, for one reason or another, there need to be changes in the IARU Constitution with the objective of making various aspects of its operation more effective.

4.2. Mr. Owen's written report as Vice President began with the reminder that he had declined the nomination for another term, and that his present term would expire before the next meeting of Council. He expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation he had received as the first IARU officer from outside North America. His report noted that the aging amateur population and the decreasing number of new amateurs in many countries was one of the greatest issues facing amateur radio. It observed that the most significant event during his two terms as Vice President was the restructuring of the ITU. The growing complexity of the ITU and the issues facing it and the growing involvement of the IARU in ITU related activities requires officers who have an expertise and experience relevant to the ITU, yet, the report noted, it is difficult to "sell" these functions to amateurs for whom they are too remote and obscure. In supplementary remarks he corrected an oversight in his written report, which did not properly acknowledge the contribution of John Bazley, G3HCT, as a member of the Future of the Amateur Service Committee. Mr. Nietyksza commented that personal involvement in ITU and other regulatory matters is not necessarily a requirement to be an IARU officer, and that it may be better to provide for this and similar needs through a team of specialists supervised by officers. In response, Mr. Owen observed that in his opinion a degree of knowledge of the ITU is essential as one of a number of skills required of officers, and agreed that specialists were necessary for a variety of IARU functions.

4.3. Mr. Price's written report acknowledged Vice President Owen's leadership of the IARU WRC-97 delegation and emphasized that the core of the IARU's reason for being is the preservation and enhancement of amateur frequencies. Mr. Price supported the recommendation of the Outlook Committee that the committee be dissolved and the committee's observation that the proliferation of IARU committees with similar names, assignments, and membership has caused confusion in the amateur community. He suggested it might be best to begin anew with a fresh approach. He also observed that the IARU does not communicate a consistent image. In supplementary oral remarks he reported on a successful Amateur Radio Administration course held at the International Secretariat in Newington, Connecticut, September 14-18, recent IARU activity in the ITU Development Sector, and new appointees to the IARU Group of Experts.

4.4. At 1432, Mr. Price and Mr. Wardlaw were excused. Mr. Sumner assumed the role of Recording Secretary. Mr. Stafford described how the process of consultation between the International Secretariat and the Administrative Council on nominations for IARU President and Vice President for the next term of office, May 1999 - May 2004, had proceeded to date. The International Secretariat is required to initiate discussions with the Administrative Council to identify suitably qualified candidates no later than 12 months prior to the expiration of the term of the President then in office. Consultation had been informal until April 1998, when a letter was sent to Administrative Council members to begin the formal process. Mr. Stafford then distributed a memorandum proposing the nomination of Larry E. Price, W4RA, as IARU President. There followed a discussion of the procedures required by the Constitution and how each regional organization had approached the consultative process. In response to a question, Mr. Stafford said it was the intention of the ARRL as International Secretariat to designate Mr. Sumner to serve as Secretary. During the discussion it was noted that Mr. Baldwin had made himself available for renomination. At this point Mr. Baldwin withdrew his name from consideration, whereupon Mr. Stafford formally nominated Mr. Price.

On Motion of Mr. Atkins, seconded by Mr. Baldwin, the Secretary was instructed to present to the member-societies, in a Calendar to be issued no later than 8 December 1998, a proposal by the International Secretariat and the unanimous recommendation by the Administrative Council that Larry E. Price, W4RA, be elected for a five-year term as IARU President. Mr. Price was invited to return at 1550 and received a round of applause, and resumed the role of Secretary of the meeting.

Mr. Stafford distributed a memorandum proposing the nomination of David A. Wardlaw, VK3ADW, as IARU Vice President. He confirmed Mr. van de Nadort's observation that Mr. van de Nadort had been contacted about his availability for the position, but observed that Mr. van de Nadort wished to remain available to continue serving as Region 1 Chairman. There is no prohibition in the Constitution to the chairman of a regional organization simultaneously serving as Vice President, but Mr. Stafford had concluded that that would be inappropriate and so had sought another qualified candidate. He was gratified that someone as well qualified as Mr. Wardlaw was available. Mr. Nietyksza observed that Region 1 also has no doubt about Mr. Wardlaw's qualifications, but that from the perspective of the Region 1 Executive Committee, communication between the International Secretariat and Region 1 had been less than desired. Mr. Stafford acknowledged that the consultative process, which is not explicitly defined, might have benefited from more communication with the principals in Region 1. Following further discussion of regional perceptions of the consultative process, Mr. Stafford formally nominated Mr. Wardlaw.

On Motion of Mr. Sekido, seconded by Mr. van de Nadort, the Secretary was instructed to present to the member-societies, in a Calendar to be issued no later than 8 December 1998, a proposal by the International Secretariat and the unanimous recommendation by the Administrative Council that David A. Wardlaw,VK3ADW, be elected for a five-year term as IARU Vice President. Mr. Wardlaw was invited to return at 1621, and received a round of applause.

5. Reports from the regional organizations

5.1. The written report of Region 1 noted the illness of Secretary John Allaway, G3FKM, and the appointment of Tim Hughes, G3GVV, as Co-Secretary until the conclusion of the 1999 General Conference of Region 1 in Lillehammer, Norway. The Region 1 Executive Committee met in Dakar, Senegal, in April. The Region sends representatives to meetings of CEPT, ETSI, and the European Community. The number of such meetings has more than doubled in the past year, imposing a growing burden on the Region's budget and manpower. As a consequence, the EC has decided to formulate a proposal to the 1999 General Conference for a drastic increase of the membership dues. The report discussed European standards issues; Mr. van de Nadort noted that a draft is circulating that would favorably clarify the status of amateur kits under the R&TTE Directive. On the other hand, a threat has arisen in the form of electromagnetic radiation limits intended to protect older pacemaker designs from interference, especially in Germany. The report described Region 1 activities in support of the Strategic Plan for Africa and noted that Region 1 continues to grow with two new member-societies just added, and another application expected soon.

Mr. Nietyksza introduced an annex to the report that dealt with spectrum issues. Region 1 spectrum related activities have placed particular focus on CEPT, although the African and Arabic intergovernmental organizations are also kept in sight. CEPT activities principally involve the frequencies above 27.5 MHz. The next phase of the CEPT Detailed Spectrum Investigation, DSI-3, has commenced and is examining 862-3400 MHz. A proliferation of short range devices operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band is anticipated; upgrading of the status of the Amateur Service to primary at 2390-2417 MHz should be pursued. Sub-Working Group FM 36 of the Frequency Management Working Group is handling the 7-MHz Broadcasting harmonization issue, with IARU Region 1 as a participant. Nine European countries have implemented the LF allocation of 135.7-137.8 kHz. In response to questions, Mr. Nietyksza reported that the Amateur-Satellite Service allocation at 435-438 MHz now enjoys greater visibility in the European Common Allocation Table, and that the primary Amateur Service allocation of 430-440 MHz has been retained.

Mr. Wardlaw observed that the electromagnetic radiation limits being imposed in Germany could cause serious problems for amateurs, and that the IARU must stand ready to assist the smaller member-societies if the issue arises in their countries.

5.2. Mr. Johnson introduced the written report of Region 3. Two recommendations from the 1997 Beijing Conference, concerning allocations to the Amateur-Satellite Service and a response to the recommendations of the Beacon Committee, were communicated to the Council in an addendum to the report. The annual Directors' Meeting was held in Tokyo in August. The most important work relates to preparations for future ITU WRCs. The report recommended that the Council issue detailed guidance to all member-societies once the dates and the agenda of the next WRC are known, and reported on the Region's plans to participate in the work of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and other regional telecommunications organizations. Mr. Wardlaw observed that the APT plans to emulate CEPT and CITEL in developing common regional WRC proposals. Region 3 anticipates a decline in dues income as the numbers of transmitting members of some of its major member-societies are declining. Applications for membership from two countries in the region are anticipated. Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) is taking root in the region; the 3rd IARU Region 3 ARDF Championships will be held in Korea next year. Mr. Johnson thanked Mr. Baldwin and the International Secretariat for the Amateur Radio Administration course that was conducted in Ho Chi Minh City, and in which Mr. Johnson had participated as an instructor. He expressed the hope that a similar course can be held some day in North Korea. Mr. Sekido observed that the Asian financial crisis is affecting a number of member-societies in the region, particularly Indonesia.

5.3. Reporting on behalf of Region 2, Mr. Atkins called attention to his President's Report to the just-concluded Region 2 Conference, DOC/YV-R-25E, that summarized the status of the Region. Region 2 has no paid staff. Growth in amateur licensing in the region has slowed, but the financial position is stable and no increase in dues has been required since 1986. The level of Region 2 representation at CITEL meetings has increased greatly. Implementation of the International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP) is proceeding too slowly. Region 2 News Editor Fred Laun, K3ZO, is retiring after more than eight years in this volunteer position; Region 2 is considering how best to disseminate news and information to its member-societies. Also retiring during the past year were the Region 2 Monitoring Service Coordinator and the Region 2 Beacon Coordinator, but in each case a well-qualified volunteer was available to serve.

6. IARU participation in ITU meetings during the preceding year

6.1. Mr. Owen introduced the written report from the International Secretariat on WRC-97 held in Geneva in October and November 1997. He called particular attention to the suppression of Resolution 640 and the useful presence of Mr. Estrada and Tafa Diop, 6W1KI, at part of the conference for training purposes. It was explained that while Resolution 640 had served a useful purpose, it was no longer needed in view of changed circumstances and especially in view of the adoption of Resolution 644 (WRC-97) relating to telecommunication resources for disaster mitigation and relief operations. Accordingly, Resolution 640 was suppressed. However, the related footnote, S5.120, was not suppressed owing to a clerical error. It is understood that an appropriate explanatory note is to be included in the next edition of the Radio Regulations.

6.2. Mr. Price introduced his written report on the first Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) for what was then called WRC-99 and is now WRC-2000. This CPM was held right after WRC-97. The CPM is entrusting the studies of technical issues relating to the introduction of new frequency sharing partners to the "home" Study Group of the new service, which places a burden on the incumbent services to participate in Study Groups outside their normal range of interest.

6.3. Mr. Price introduced his written report on the Radiocommunication Advisory Group (RAG) meeting of January 1998. The RAG has been chaired by Michael Goddard of the United Kingdom since its inception.

6.4. Mr. Price noted the written report of J. K. (Ken) Pulfer, VE3PU, on meetings of ITU-R Working Parties 7C and 7D held in February and March. As a member of the IARU Group of Experts, Mr. Pulfer is a regular participant in WP 7C where a possible allocation for satellite-borne synthetic aperture radars (SARs) in the vicinity of 420-470 MHz is being discussed.

6.5. Mr. Price introduced his written reports on two meetings of ITU-R Joint Rapporteur Group (JRG) 8A/9B in March and July. JRG 8A/9B is dealing with the issue of fixed wireless access (FWA). Frequencies from 27 MHz to 66 GHz are being reviewed to identify possible candidate bands for FWA.

6.6. Mr. Price introduced his written report on a March meeting of ITU-R Working Party 8A, which is the "home" WP for the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services. To raise our visibility in this forum, a paper entitled Progress in HF Data Communications in the Amateur Service has been introduced.

6.7. Mr. Price briefly noted his written report on the World Telecommunication Policy Forum (WTPF) in March. IARU interests normally would not require attendance, but in this instance there was no cost involved because the WTPF took place between two other meetings.

6.8. Mr. Price introduced written reports by Hans Welens, ON6WQ, and himself, on the World Telecommunication Development Conference, WTDC-98, held in Malta in March and April. Mr. Diop was the third IARU representative. Folders of material describing amateur radio and the IARU were distributed to numerous delegates, particularly those from Africa.

6.9. Mr. Rinaldo noted the written report of Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS5AKV, on IARU participation in Africa TELECOM 98, held in May in Johannesburg. In addition to Mr. van de Groenendaal and Mr. Rinaldo, the IARU stand was manned by Mr. Diop, Abdi Al-Shahwarzi, A41JT, Hans Ehlers, DF5UG, and local amateurs. Mr. van de Groenendaal participated in a special forum on emergency communications.

6.10. Mr. Sumner introduced his written report on the Intergovernmental Conference on Emergency Telecommunications, ICET-98, held in June in Tampere, Finland. He displayed the official conference pin, designed and distributed by the IARU as its contribution to the conference. Mr. Seidemann suggested that a resolution be adopted by the Council to encourage countries to accede to the Tampere Convention; it was agreed that a draft would be prepared for consideration later in the meeting.

6.11. Mr. Price noted his report on the July meeting of ITU-R Study Group 8. Following a review of the organizational structure of SG 8, it was decided that the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services should remain in WP 8A. SG 8 adopted six documents relating to amateur radio; the documents are circulating to administrations for approval.

The Council was in recess from 1758 until 0907 Sunday, 4 October.

6.12. Mr. Price introduced a written report by Frank Butler, W4RH, who represented the IARU at a July meeting of ITU-R Task Group 1/5 in Munich. TG 1/5 is studying out-of-band (OOB) emission limits for all services, and spurious emission limits for space services. IARU Expert Peter Chadwick, G3RZP, participates in TG 1/5 as the representative of another entity; Mr. Rinaldo represented the ARRL at this meeting as a member of the US delegation. Mr. Rinaldo explained that while the IARU submitted an input paper arguing for an exemption for the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services, this approach did not find favor. However, an alternative approach to OOB limits suggested by Mr. Chadwick appears to be generally acceptable. New spurious emission limits for amateur satellites will present a significant challenge to satellite designers.

6.13 Mr. Price introduced three papers submitted by the IARU to the ITU Development Sector (ITU-D), Study Group 2. These papers described the role of the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Service in disaster communications and in promoting development, and offered Preliminary Draft New Recommendations (PDNR) on effective utilization of the Amateur Services in disaster mitigation and relief operations and on Amateur Services participation in regional human resources training. The three papers were discussed at a meeting of ITU-D SG2 in September. The first two papers have been assigned to a sub-group (of which Mr. Price is Rapporteur) for coordination with a sub-group of ITU-R WP 8A (the chairman of which is Mr. Rinaldo). Further consideration of these papers is anticipated in the summer of 1999; the United Nations already has offered some constructive suggestions. The third paper was categorized as an administrative matter and the subject will be raised with the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau.

7. IARU participation in future ITU meetings

7.1. Mr. Price reviewed plans for amateur radio participation in the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, PP-98, to be held in Minneapolis in October and November. The ARRL is one of the host organizations, a role similar to that played by the JARL in Kyoto in 1994. The IARU is not invited to participate in Plenipotentiary Conferences as an organization, but arrangements have been made for individuals to attend in other capacities. The rights and privileges of Sector Members are on the agenda, and an effort will be made to secure support for international organizations such as the IARU being invited to Plenipotentiaries in the future.

7.2. A schedule of 1999 ITU (ITU-R unless otherwise specified) meetings of significance to the IARU was reviewed. Tentative assignments are as follows: TG 1/5, Jan. 11-20, Phoenix, Mr. Butler; WP 8A and RAG, Feb. 15-26, Geneva, Mr. Price; WP 7C/D, Mar. 18-24, USA, Mr. Pulfer; WP 10A, Apr. 12-16, Las Vegas, coverage by member-societies; WP 8D, Apr. 19-23, Geneva, to be determined; SG 7, June 23-25, Geneva, Mr. Pulfer; TG 1/5, WP 1A/B/C, SG 1, Aug. 16-26, The Netherlands, to be determined; ITU-D SG 2, Sept. 6-10, Geneva, Mr. Price; TELECOM-99, Oct. 10-17, Geneva, Messrs. Rinaldo, Al-Shahwarzi, Diop, Ehlers, Estrada, and Price; SG 8, Nov. 11-12, Geneva, Mr. Price; CPM, Nov. 15-26, Geneva, Messrs. Nietyksza and Price. The meeting schedule and assignments are subject to change.

Mr. Nietyksza described the procedure being followed by Region 1 in recommending members for the IARU Group of Experts and suggested that before new members are formally appointed, their nomination should be made known to the members of the Council and to regional executive committees. The Council accepted this information with thanks but took no action to modify the procedure of appointment by the President, preserving the flexibility which presently exists.

7.3. Mr. Price called attention to a brief information paper describing the ITU Council. Its next meeting is June 14-25, 1999. Non-members of the ITU Council -- even administrations -- have no opportunity to attend.

7.4. The International Secretariat has primary responsibility for planning IARU participation in TELECOM-99. Mr. Price reported that Mr. Ehlers, as the on-site coordinator, held a meeting in Friedrichshafen with a representative of USKA who has been invited to assist. TELECOM-99 will not be held in conjunction with a WRC, since WRC-99 has been postponed.

7.5. It now appears that WRC-2000 (previously WRC-99) will be held in Istanbul in May/June 2000. The dates will be confirmed by PP-98. The ITU Council made several changes to the agenda for WRC-2000, subject to confirmation by PP-98. One item of particular concern to radio amateurs, the introduction of satellite-borne synthetic aperture radars somewhere in the vicinity of 420-470 MHz, has been dropped from the WRC-2000 agenda but studies are going forward anyway. Several IARU Council members expressed their appreciation to the International Secretariat for having provided WRC-99 agenda booklets in three languages for distribution; Mr. Price said an updated booklet will be produced after PP-98 and invited suggestions for changes and improvements until December 10.

8. Reports of IARU Ad Hoc Committees

8.1. Mr. Owen, as chairman, reported on behalf of the Future of the Amateur Service Committee (FASC). He recounted the history of the release of the FASC Discussion Paper in April 1996 and the three subsequent reports. He distributed the fourth and final report, noting that two of the committee members, John Bazley, G3HCT, and Terry Carrell, ZL3QL, were not in attendance and had had no opportunity to consider the report. The Council might wish to hold the matter over for that reason, or it might wish to bring the matter to a conclusion, he said. After reading the report, several Council members spoke in support of considering it now and discussion of the substance of the report commenced.

Following discussion, it was agreed that it is the policy of the IARU to seek the amendment of the definition of the "Amateur-Satellite Service" in S1.57 by the deletion of the words "on earth satellites."

Action on a second recommendation contained in the report was deferred until later in the meeting to permit the redrafting of the recommendation.

The Council was in recess for luncheon from 1205 until 1330. At this point Messrs. Hughes and Stafford left the meeting, expressing appreciation for having been permitted to attend.

8.2. Mr. Atkins, as chairman, reported on behalf of the Amateur Radio Outlook Committee (AROC). He recounted the committee's efforts to stimulate input from the member-societies and the worldwide amateur radio community, but that led to a disappointing response. The most extensive and thoughtful response came from the Radio Amateurs of Canada. AROC recommended that the committee in its present form be dissolved, and that if it is the will of the Council to continue this particular research, that a new committee be appointed with broader terms of reference and drawing its membership from the amateur community at large.

Mr. van de Nadort, as a member of the committee, said that some member-societies in Region 1 did not at first fully understand what the committee was expected to achieve, but that they may provide additional input. He supported continuing the committee's effort in some form. Mr. Sekido, also speaking as a member of the committee, expressed regret that the committee had been unable to provide a more substantive report, since the subject is a very important one for the future of amateur radio. Mr. Nietyksza observed that similar investigations conducted in CEPT also yield few responses.

It was agreed that the report of the IARU AROC is accepted and the committee is discharged with thanks. Mr. Baldwin commented that as there appeared to be no overwhelming sentiment to reconstitute the committee right now, the matter should be revisited at a later date.

8.3. Mr. Seidemann, as chairman, presented the report of the Monitoring System Review Committee (MSRC). Region 1 had submitted written comments on the proposed terms of reference for the IARU Monitoring System, including the observation that Region 1 permits its Monitoring System Coordinator, under certain circumstances and with the co-signature of the Region 1 Secretary, to write letters that would appear to be contrary to the committee's recommendations. Mr. Seidemann commented that it could be dangerous for amateurs to confront certain kinds of intruder stations, and that how to handle such a situation in a particular region should be left to that region. Several Council members commented that some of the proposed terms of reference might better be phrased more positively so as not to discourage volunteers. In response to comments about the misuse of amateur bands by licensed amateur stations, Mr. Baldwin observed that this is a separate issue. Mr. Sumner asked if the intent of the committee was to supersede or modify Resolution 91-1, which sets out procedures to be followed in the event that improper use of the amateur bands is observed; it was agreed that this would be addressed later in the meeting, under agenda item 12, and that the proposed terms of reference would not take effect until the terms of reference and Resolution 91-1 have been harmonized.

Mr. van de Nadort requested that it be noted that Region 1 presently has rules that permit the Monitoring System Coordinator to write to entities outside the region under certain circumstances, and that modification of this policy would require a decision of the Region 1 Conference.

It was agreed that the report of the MSRC is adopted and the committee is discharged with thanks.

8.4. Mr. Baldwin reported on the status of the Constitutional Review Committee (RevCom), which was appointed as a response to Resolution 97-2. No consensus was developed by the committee. He recommended that the committee be discharged with thanks, and that the problem be tackled at a later date.

Several Council members expressed their opinions as to why the committee had been unable to produce a report.

Mr. van de Nadort reminded the group that Region 1 originally had proposed a small committee with a short reporting deadline. At the time the concept had not attracted the necessary consensus. He reiterated the urgency of addressing the underlying issues.

Mr. Price observed that Resolution 97-2 was not necessarily a mandate to revise the Constitution. Rather, it was a mandate for the IARU to look in the mirror, to see how the organization could manage itself more effectively. He identified management succession as a particular concern. Mr. Nietyksza agreed, noting the special problems facing volunteer organizations in finding suitable people who can devote their time to the organization. Mr. Johnson drew attention to some conclusions of the 1997 Beijing Conference regarding implications for constitutional revision.

After further discussion, it was agreed that RevCom is discharged with thanks and that Resolution 97-2 is revised to read as follows:

The IARU Council, Beijing, September 1997,

recognizing

a) the need to review the structure of the IARU to ensure its long term viability and the need to investigate how the financial situation of the IARU can be improved;

b) the complexity of the issues that may be relevant;

c) the necessity to balance the importance of this task against the importance of not diverting effort from the other tasks presently facing the IARU which are of fundamental importance,

resolves

that, as a first step and with the object of defining the issues to provide a basis for further consideration by this council, not more than 5 members designated by the President shall exchange papers raising the issues and options as each perceives them and responding each to the other's views, this group to provide a preliminary report ninety days prior to the next meeting of this Council.

8.5. Mr. Johnson, as chairman, reported for the 7 MHz Strategy Committee. The committee presently is in a monitoring role, awaiting word as to when harmonization of the 7-MHz amateur and broadcasting allocations will be placed on a WRC agenda. The International Secretariat had prepared a draft revision of the previously adopted Action Plan for 7 MHz. It was agreed that the Council adopts the revised plan.

8.6. The written report of Public Relations Initiative Committee (PRICOM), submitted by the chairman, Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS5AKV, was received. After discussion, it was agreed that the Council accepts the report of the PRICOM, agrees to the philosophy contained therein, and decides that the International Secretariat with the co-ordination of Council member Tom Atkins is to work with the chairman of PRICOM to see how those proposals could be implemented and to what extent.

9. ITU and Regulatory Matters not previously discussed

9.1. Mr. Price presented a proposal for updating the Action Plan associated with the Strategic Plan for the Development of Support for Amateur Radio to encompass the years 1999-2000. In response to a question from Mr. Johnson, Mr. Baldwin agreed to supply lists of persons trained in Amateur Radio Administration courses and as Amateur Radio Ambassadors. It was agreed that the Action Plan for 1999-2000 associated with the Strategic Plan for the Development of Support for Amateur Radio is approved with the understanding that the implementation will be coordinated between the International Secretariat and IARU Region 1.

9.2. On behalf of the International Secretariat, Mr. Price offered recommended changes in the Spectrum Requirements of the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services. It was agreed that the changes are approved and the International Secretariat is requested to publish the revised spectrum requirements.

9.2.1. With regard to the possible realignment of allocations between 71 and 275 GHz, Mr. Price outlined the principles that the International Secretariat believes the Council wishes be followed and requested formal endorsement. Messrs. Nietyksza, Wardlaw, and Rinaldo offered comments regarding their own recent experiences with various proposals to accommodate the perceived needs of radio astronomers in this frequency range.

It was agreed that the principles for consideration of the bands 71 - 275 GHz are adopted as follows:

• Avoid moving amateur allocations that are presently located in atmospheric windows (where atmospheric attenuation is relatively low) to frequencies where atmospheric attenuation is high.
• Maintain the same amount of spectrum in each band while agreeing to minor shifts.
• Maintain or improve the ratio between primary and secondary allocations.
• Avoid adding additional co-primary services in bands allocated to the Amateur Services.

9.3. Mr. Price introduced a working document prepared by the International Secretariat summarizing the status of reciprocal licensing arrangements throughout the world, and solicited suggestions for improvement.

10. Reports of International Coordinators and Liaison Officers

10.1. The written report of Robert E. Knowles, ZL1BAD, IARU Monitoring System International Coordinator, was received and accepted. Mr. Knowles reported that overall, the system continues to function in a reasonably efficient manner.

10.2. The written report of John G. Troster, W6ISQ, IARU Beacon Project International Coordinator, was received and accepted. At the present time, 16 of the 18 previously planned beacons are operational and an additional six beacons are planned, to bring the total to 24. Mr. Troster has retired and has recommended that Assistant Coordinator Robert S. Fabry, N6EK, be appointed in his place. The Council expressed its appreciation to Mr. Troster for being the driving force behind the NCDXF/IARU Beacon System.

10.3. The written report of Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS5AKV, IARU Satellite Adviser, was received and accepted. Included was a report summarizing the IARU International Satellite Forum held in conjunction with the AMSAT UK Satellite Colloquium in Surrey in early August, and a report on the activities of IARU Satellite Frequency Coordinator Graham Ratcliff, VK5AGR. Mr. Price observed that while the report referred to consultation over the possible use of a United Nations call sign by the amateur station on board the International Space Station, such use would not be appropriate inasmuch as the United Nations has no jurisdiction over the International Space Station.

10.4. The written report of Christian M. Verholt, OZ8CY, IARU EMC Adviser, was received and accepted. Mr. Verholt represented the IARU at CISPR meetings in Yokosuka, Japan, and Frankfurt, Germany. Mr. Wardlaw observed that although he had heard of discussions aimed at the combining of CISPR with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), it would not appear to be in the best interests of the IARU were that to take place as there is greater opportunity for providing input to CISPR.

10.5. It was agreed that the following coordinators and advisers are reappointed for three-year terms: Robert E. Knowles, ZL1BAD, IARU Monitoring System International Coordinator; Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS5AKV, IARU Satellite Adviser; and Christian M. Verholt, OZ8CY, IARU EMC Adviser. On the occasion of his retirement, the Council noted with special appreciation the extraordinary contributions of John G. Troster, W6ISQ, as IARU Beacon Project International Coordinator. On his recommendation, Robert S. Fabry, N6EK, was appointed to the post for a three-year term.

11. Operational and Administrative Matters

11.1. It was agreed that matters arising from the Region 2 Conference would be discussed the following day.

11.2. Mr. Price reported that spending by the International Secretariat on behalf of the IARU appears to be on track with the budget for 1998, although it is not possible to be precise because a large proportion of the annual spending occurs during the fourth quarter. He also reviewed performance against the 1997 budget; spending for each function was at or below the budgeted amount. He presented the three-year budget for 1999-2001 prepared by the International Secretariat. He also noted the paper submitted by Region 1 regarding detailed budget reporting and suggested that since the issue appears to be one of satisfying the Region 1 auditors, the ARRL could have its auditors contact the Region 1 auditors and have them work out whatever is required.

Mr. van de Nadort offered the observation that a few member-societies in Region 1 believe present methods of reporting on IARU financial matters lack sufficient transparency and have expressed some concerns about financial accountability. Messrs. Seidemann and Johnson commented that this is not an issue in their regions.

It was agreed that the 1999-2001 budget plan is approved as proposed.

The Council was in recess from 1717 until 0903 Monday, 5 October.

Returning to agenda item 8.1, the following was agreed:

• The policy of the IARU shall be to seek the amendment of Article S25 in accordance with the principles set out in the Final Report, October 1998, of the FASC;
• Acknowledging that particular language is not the essence of this policy, FASC is requested to continue to assist the officers and the International Secretariat in the refinement of the language to express those principles;
• FASC is requested to prepare and submit to the Council for its consideration a draft to illustrate the kind of ITU-R Recommendation specifying the minimum technical and operational qualifications necessary to operate an amateur station, to illustrate the intent to avoid the specification of an elaborate syllabus and at the same time setting requirements not less than the requirements set out in existing Article S25;
• The IARU shall continue to seek the study of a suitable recommendation by Study Group 8.

11.3. Operational Matters

11.3.1. A majority of the members of the Council and a number of regional executive committee members were active during the IARU HF World Championship in July, providing additional multipliers for participants and additional visibility for the IARU. Headquarters station NU1AW was also active, and more than 3,000 QSL cards have been sent via the bureau system to confirm contacts made outside the United States. The outcome of the event was regarded as satisfactory, but some study should be given to whether the exchanges used by Council and regional executive committee members could be improved in order to reduce confusion.

11.3.2. Mr. Price introduced a short paper by the International Secretariat entitled Growth in Wireless Communications that suggested creating a new committee made up not of members of the Council, but rather of persons selected for their knowledge of future trends, communications technology, demographic changes in the 21st Century and other relevant factors. After discussion, it was agreed that the creation of such a committee should be deferred until the committee to be created to study IARU structural issues has an opportunity to consider how such a permanent advisory committee to the Council should be chartered.

Returning to agenda item 11.1, Mr. Seidemann reviewed the actions of the Region 2 Conference, particularly with regard to the promotion of satellite communications and the seeking of an allocation near 50 MHz for amateur satellites, amateur radio operation aboard manned space stations, the desire for the upgrading of secondary amateur allocations to primary, and support for the amateurs of Guatemala who are opposing the reallocation of the 70 cm band for commercial use. He observed that the presence of Council members at a regional conference is a great asset, but it is a tremendous strain on the regional representatives who are also responsible for organizing the conference to participate fully and completely in the Council meeting that follows. He urged that the decoupling of Council meetings from regional conferences continue to be considered.

Returning to agenda item 6.10, the following was adopted:

considering

a) the Tampere Convention on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Relief and Mitigation signed at the Intergovernmental Conference on Emergency Telecommunications held in Tampere, Finland, 16 - 18 June 1998 (ICET-98);

b) that the Convention states that the States Parties shall, when possible, and in conformity with their national law, reduce or remove regulatory barriers to the use of telecommunication resources for disaster mitigation and relief, including to the provision of telecommunication assistance, which may take the form of:

• revising regulations
• exempting specified telecommunication resources from regulations during use for disaster mitigation and relief
• pre-clearance of certain telecommunication resources
• recognition of foreign type-approval and/or operating licenses
• expedited review of telecommunication resources for use in disaster mitigation and relief in compliance with those regulations, and
• temporary waiver of those regulations for the use of telecommunication resources for disaster mitigation and relief;

c) that the Convention will be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and will remain open for signature in New York from 22 June 1998 to 21 June 2003;

d) that the Convention requires the accession of at least thirty States Parties to become effective,

recognizing

that the Amateur Services will be in a better position to be of assistance to the public once the Convention is brought into force,

resolves

1. to encourage member societies to urge their respective administrations to accede to the Convention, as such would enhance the ability of the Amateur Services to carry out emergency telecommunications in cases of natural disasters;

2. to seek specific inclusion of the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services in documents implementing the provisions of the Convention;

3. to coordinate actions relating to resolves 1 and 2 through the IARU Regional Secretariats and the International Secretariat.

12. Review of matters pending from previous meetings

12.1. Review of Resolutions and Policies

Mr. Price proposed an addition to Policy #3 to define procedures for coordination of IARU input documents to the ITU. In the course of discussion, Messrs. Nietyksza, Wardlaw, and Owen emphasized the need for a procedure to resolve differences of opinion that may arise between experts. Whereupon, it was agreed that Policy #3 is amended by the addition of the following immediately after item "E" in the list of responsibilities of the International Secretariat:

The procedures for coordination of IARU input documents to ITU meetings are as follows:

Who drafts an IARU input document depends on the subject matter and the forum at which it will be introduced. Generally, the drafting of IARU input documents to ITU meetings is performed under the guidance of the Secretary by the International Secretariat and/or by the member of the IARU Group of Experts assigned to represent the IARU at the ITU meeting. Increased emphasis is being placed on selecting Experts who have the specific technical knowledge necessary in preparing draft contributions.

Drafting should be completed about six weeks prior to the meeting to allow for coordination and approval of documents to be translated by the ITU for distribution as timely submissions. If the meeting will be conducted in a single language, drafting should be completed four weeks prior to the meeting.

The week following the above dates should be used for coordination and approval of the IARU input documents by electronic means.

After coordination is complete, the Secretary will approve the input document and send it to the International Secretariat (IS) so it can be put in final form and sent to the ITU. It is necessary to send documents both to the designated BR staff address and, as a courtesy, to the chairman of the meeting. Additional complimentary distribution may also be needed to develop support for the IARU submission.

The IS is responsible for transmission of the draft document to the appropriate members of the Group of Experts. Normally, a one-week deadline will be established for replies.

Technical input documents require the approval of the Secretary. Documents of a policy nature or those pertaining to matters that are not strictly technical should be approved by both the Secretary and the President.

Inputs to regional telecommunications organizations are the responsibility of the IARU regional organizations or member-societies acting through their national delegations. Regional Organizations shall ensure that their inputs are consistent with IARU policy and shall provide the Secretary with a copy of any inputs as promptly as possible, preferably before submission.

It was further agreed that for purposes of clarification, the title of Resolution 85-2 is changed to read, "concerning contacts with the ITU regarding IARU Monitoring System matters."

With regard to Resolution 91-1, it was agreed that the International Secretariat is requested to harmonize Resolution 91-1 with the report of the Monitoring System Review Committee and to circulate a proposed revised Resolution to the Council for consideration at the next meeting.

With regard to the "Rules for the Administrative Council Pertaining to World and Regional Telecommunication Conferences and Preparatory Meetings," Mr. van de Nadort noted for the record that the Region 1 Conference in Tel-Aviv did not ratify item F regarding the exclusive responsibility of the Council to ensure proper liaison with amateur radio groups outside the IARU organization. Mr. Baldwin expressed the hope that the issue might be better explained at the next Region 1 Conference so that this matter can be resolved.

12.1.1. On behalf of Region 1, Mr. van de Nadort introduced a paper entitled "Consideration of revised method of meeting reporting" that suggested two separate records of the meeting be prepared. One, to be called the Summary Record, would be the internal Council record which shall accurately reflect all the written and/or oral proposals, items of discussion and decisions taken during the meeting, making reference to written proposals and other written documentation available only to meeting participants. The second, to be called the Meeting Report, would be the record/minutes intended for destinees other than Council members, e.g. member-societies, regional executive committees and other specialized bodies, and other destinees as specified by the Council. The Meeting Report would be produced in a more detailed and explanatory/descriptive manner understandable by recipients who do not have access to the reference documentation.

Mr. Nietyksza observed that the intent of the proposal was to help people who do not have access to the supporting documents to understand the Summary Record.

Mr. Owen asked if the second record was intended to be an expanded version of the first, including everything that is in the first. If so, there would appear to be no need for two versions.

Mr. Johnson shared his experience with a similar approach in NZART. It turned out that the editorial requirement to produce the second document was substantially more than was warranted. He suggested that if in a particular region it turned out that some additional clarification of an item was required, this could be handled by the regional secretary rather than globally.

Mr. Atkins cautioned that information concerning some matters discussed by the Council should not be distributed in a way that might reach our opponents for spectrum.

Mr. Price suggested that perhaps a narrative of the meeting would be more useful than an expanded formal record, and asked whether an expanded news release would meet Region 1's requirements. Mr. van de Nadort referred to the requirements as they were explained in the paper submitted by Region 1.

The Council members were unable to reach consensus on how best to modify the Summary Record in the future to address the expressed concerns of some members. Therefore, Mr. Baldwin suggested that when the Region 1 representatives receive the draft Summary Record of this meeting, they offer precise examples of what should be incorporated in order to accomplish their objective.

13. Other business

13.1. ARRL President Stafford had renewed his invitation for the Council to meet in the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio, just before the Dayton Hamvention® and ARRL National Convention 2000. The Council expressed its appreciation for the invitation, but noted that changes in the ITU meeting schedule for WRC-2000 appear to make it impossible to accept.

13.2. Various possible themes for 1999 World Amateur Radio Day were discussed, but no consensus was reached.

13.3. The Region 2 Conference marked the completion of a round of regional consideration of a Council request to consider several recommendations concerning beacons. It was agreed that the following resolution is adopted:

The IARU Council, Porlamar, October 1998,

noting

that the regional organizations have responded to its request to consider various possibilities for further development of the IARU Beacon Project,

finding

that a considerable degree of consensus exists among the regional organizations,

resolves

that the further development of the IARU Beacon Project should be guided by the following principles on which consensus has been reached:

1. The phrase "IARU Beacon Project" is the officially accepted meaning of "IBP." With respect to the time-share network on five HF bands the expression "IBP/NCDXF" should be used.

2. No IBP transmissions should be considered for the 7 MHz band unless, or until, the major IARU goal of a world wide allocation of 300 kHz has been achieved.

3. With respect to the 14 MHz beacon band, the status quo is maintained.

4. The establishment of additional time-share beacons in the 18.1, 21, and 24.9 MHz bands is encouraged, but with no additional frequencies being allocated.

5. The segment 28.190 to 28.199 MHz is maintained for use by intra-regional time-share networks along the following lines:

World Wide Network #2	28.190 MHz
Region 1 intra-regional network	28.191, 28.194, & 28.197 MHz
Region 2 intra-regional network	28.192, 28.195, & 28.198 MHz
Region 3 intra-regional network	28.193, 28.196, & 28.199 MHz

Further, the first intra-regional beacons should be two-band systems involving 28 and 50 MHz, with the intra-regional 50 MHz frequencies being between 50.047 and 50.052 MHz unless other frequencies are found to be more suitable by the appropriate regional body. Beacons already using such frequencies should be invited to join the new network.

6. The guard bands for all beacon frequencies between 1.8 and 28.9 MHz are harmonized at ± 0.5 kHz.

7. Any coordination work required for the 70 MHz band is left to IARU Region 1 to do on a regional and not global basis, leaving it to the discretion of Region 1 to liaise with the International Coordinator and/or the other two regions on an "as required" basis.

8. The duties of the International Coordinator do not extend to satellite beacons.

9. Amateur Service beacons in the bands 1.8 to 54 MHz are coordinated on an international basis through the IBP International Coordinator who will in turn coordinate and liaise with the three Regional Coordinators as necessary.

10. Intra-regional networks should be the responsibility of the relevant regional organization. Such responsibilities would include, but not necessarily be limited to, coordination, frequency selection, and geographical distribution.

11. To enhance the status of IARU and its IBP, the IARU offers the resources of the Amateur Service beacon networks to organizations outside of the amateur community and in particular the ITU, with appropriate guidelines to be decided by the Administrative Council.

12. The Administrative Council supports a more aggressive program of publicity for beacons by continuing to use traditional media but more aggressively than before, and by maintaining and expanding an Internet WWW page with up-to-date and topical material concerning beacons.

14. On a proposal by Region 1, and following discussion of the best time to start the meeting, it was agreed that the next meeting of the Council will be held in Lillehammer, Norway, beginning at 0900 Sunday, 26 September 1999, and ending not later than the afternoon of Tuesday, 28 September. (The Region 1 Conference is scheduled for 19-24 September, with a meeting of the Region 1 Executive Committee on 25 September.)

The Council was in recess for luncheon from 1230 until 1403.

Mr. van de Nadort reported that the Secretary-General of the Pan-African Telecommunication Union has advised by FAX that the memorandum of understanding between PATU and IARU Region 1 was approved at the Sixth Plenipotentiary Conference of PATU held in Lusaka, 25-27 August 1998.

15. A draft news release describing the meeting was reviewed, revised, and adopted.

16. Each member of the Council was afforded an opportunity for closing remarks. Messrs. Nietyksza, Seidemann, Owen, and Baldwin noted that they were attending their final meeting as members of the Council; the remarks of other Council members expressed deep appreciation for their many contributions to the work of the IARU. Messrs. Wardlaw and Price expressed their appreciation for the confidence shown in them through the unanimous support of their nominations as IARU Vice President and President, respectively.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1515.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry E. Price, W4RA
Secretary