ARRL News

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

  1. The ARRL Solar Update

    Solar activity reached moderate levels due to an M1.6 flare on
    January 14 from new region AR4341. Spot classification of this
    region is complicated by limb proximity and foreshortening effects.
    New Region AR4342 rotated around the NE limb and was also numbered.
    No Earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) were observed. Solar
    activity is expected to be low with a 25-30% chance for M-class
    flares (...

  2. New 60-Meter Frequencies Available as of February 13

    The new 60-meter frequencies approved by the FCC in December will become available to amateurs as of February 13, 2026, along with new power restrictions on those frequencies. It’s a bit confusing, as different rules apply to different segments of the band. The changes result from the FCC’s action to approve a worldwide 60-meter amateur allocation made by the World Radiocommunication Conference...

  3. Bob Jones, VE7RWJ, Silent Key -- Former ITU Official and IARU Expert

    Robert W. “Bob” Jones, VE7RWJ, a former top official of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Canadian telecommunications regulator, passed away on January 7, 2026, at age 82. His early fascination with amateur radio led to a career in telecommunications and engineering, according to his obituary.

    Jones was Director General of the Canadian Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regul...

  4. FCC Poised to Exempt Amateurs from Foreign Adversary Reporting Requirements

    At the urging of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to exempt radio amateurs from foreign adversary reporting requirements. These rules would have applied to citizens of the listed countries (see below), including those living in the United States, who hold or are applying for an FCC license.

    On January 8, 2026, the FCC relea...

  5. The ARRL Solar Update

    Geomagnetic field activity is likely to reach G1 (Minor) geomagnetic
    storm levels on January 13 and 14, and then from January 17 to 20.

    Unsettled levels are likely on January 12, and then from January 21
    and 22.  All enhancements in geomagnetic activity are due to the
    anticipated influence of multiple, recurrent, coronal holes. The
    remainder of the outlook period is expected to be mostly quiet.

    A tra...