[amsat-bb] Charge for Satellite Tracking? (Kevin Gordon)

[Joe Leikhim]

This would open a lot of legal considerations in the US with respect to 
prohibition for remuneration for amateur radio services.

The argument can be made that if a station is only serving to RECEIVE 
transmissions, then the data gathering for hire may be legal, 
irrespective if the satellite were using amateur, scientific or 
commercial frequencies. This is because reception is not regulated by 
the FCC.

If the station were to tele-command the satellite on amateur 
frequencies, then  transmissions would be for hire and thus prohibited.

The bigger issue is one of politics and cooperation. Serving as a no 
cost service has the political benefit of potentially "getting a ride" 
which has a bigger monetary benefit that providing an earth station for 
hire.

Of course there is the possibility of constructing a global network to benefit a start up like SPACE-X on a quasi-commercial basis that could include a ride along agreement. This network would of course have to avoid the amateur frequencies.


-- 
Joe Leikhim

Leikhim and Associates
Communications Consultants
Oviedo, Florida

www.Leikhim.com

JLeikhim at Leikhim.com

407-982-0446