NEWS RELEASE

International Amateur Radio Union
P.O. Box 310905
Newington, CT 06131-0905 USA
FAX: +1 860 594 0259
E-Mail: iaru@iaru.org

16 May 2007

For immediate release 

Emergency Communications Leads IARU Administrative Council Agenda

The Administrative Council of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) held its annual meeting on 14-15 May 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. The meeting was held earlier in the year than usual in order to complete the review of preparations for the International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-07) in Geneva this fall.

1. IARU participation in the Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference, GAREC-07, to be held in Huntsville, Alabama in mid-August, was discussed. Council is determined to seek ways to enhance the coordination and promotion of the disaster response capabilities of the amateur service worldwide.

2. A draft strategy paper was received from the IARU International Coordinator for Emergency Communications, Hans Zimmermann, HB9AQS/F5VKP. Council will seek additional information from member-societies on the national regulatory position of the amateur service in preparing for and providing emergency communications, in order to identify problem areas and develop solutions.

3. Reports of the other IARU international coordinators and advisers were received. They are International Beacon Project Coordinator Peter Jennings, AB6WM/VE3SUN; Satellite Adviser Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV; EMC Adviser Christian Verholt, OZ8CY; and Interim Monitoring System International Coordinator Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG. Coordinators and advisers were re-appointed for three-year terms.

4. A further progress report was received from an ad hoc committee that is investigating the future role and structure of the IARU. Council resolved that the work to date represents an appropriate direction for planning and requested that the committee continue its work to address remaining open issues, including consultation with member-societies.

5. A need has been identified for greater international coordination on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) matters. Conclusions and recommendations arising from a study of how to accomplish this objective were adopted.

6. Continuing the strategic planning initiative begun in 2003, progress on a three-year plan for the development of support for amateur radio frequency allocations was reviewed and renewed for the period 2008-2011. Some details are pending until after WRC-07.

7. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) meetings at which IARU representation will be required for the coming year were identified, and plans for representation were reviewed. The principal focus continues to be on preparations for WRC-07.

8. A report on the status of the IARU member-society in Bosnia and Herzegovina was received from the Region 1 representatives. Council determined that additional information is required in order to clarify whether the member-society is able to adequately represent the interests of all radio amateurs of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the IARU.

9. The budget for 2008-2010 as presented by the International Secretariat (ARRL) was reviewed. The budget includes provision for financial contributions from the three regional organizations to defray a portion of the expenses, in accordance with previously adopted policy.

10. A working document describing the requirements for radio spectrum allocations to the amateur and amateur-satellite services was reviewed. A comprehensive review of the document will be undertaken after WRC-07.

11. A plan for the revitalization of the IARU Worked All Continents award program was reviewed and endorsed.

12. “Amateur Radio: A Foundation for Technical Knowledge” was selected as the theme for the next World Amateur Radio Day, April 18, 2008.

13. Reports from each of the three IARU regional organizations were received and discussed. The next regional conference will be that of Region 2, to be held in Brasilia in mid-September.

The next scheduled meeting of the Council will be held in Germany in June 2008.

Attending the Boston meeting were IARU President Larry Price, W4RA; Vice President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA; Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ; regional representatives Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, Don Beattie, G3BJ, Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T, Rod Stafford, W6ROD, Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AMH, Daniel Lamoureux, VE2KA, Michael Owen, VK3KI, Joong-Geun Rhee, HL1AQQ, ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, on behalf of the International Secretariat, and recording secretary Paul Rinaldo, W4RI.

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