What is the amateur service?
The amateur service is a radio communication service for self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations. It is carried out by people who are authorised and interested in radio technique. The activity must have a personal purpose. It must not be carried out for financial gain.
Self-training
Amateur radio gives operators a chance to learn radio technology by doing practical work. They can build equipment, test antennas, study propagation and improve their operating skills. This learning is an important part of the service.
Intercommunication
Amateurs communicate with other authorised amateur stations. Contacts may take place within the same country or across national borders, where the administrations concerned permit them. The exchange should remain within the purposes of the amateur service.
Technical investigations
Amateurs may test new circuits, antennas, digital modes, propagation methods and communication techniques. They may share technical findings with other operators. The work should support learning and technical progress.
Personal aim and no pecuniary interest
The amateur service is not a commercial broadcasting or business communication service. A station must not be used to earn money, advertise products or carry routine business traffic. The absence of a profit motive is a core part of the service.
Amateur service and amateur-satellite service
The amateur-satellite service uses space stations and earth stations for the same broad amateur purposes. It supports experiments and communication through amateur satellites. Satellite operation must follow the relevant frequency and space-station conditions.
Amateur radio and public service
Amateur radio can provide useful communication support during disasters. It can also support training and technical demonstrations. This does not turn an amateur station into a public telephone service or a commercial network.