FCC to Congress: HOA not an impediment to Amateur Radio Emergency Service

The FCC and ARRL recently released the FCC findings of last spring's study of the Amateur radio Emergency Service, and impediments to its implementation.  The study was not favorable to hams in restrictive HOAs or in areas where deeds restrict antennas.

From the ARRL article:

-While the FCC did hold Amateur Radio in a positive light in its discussion of emergency Amateur Radio Service communications, the FCC report was not as favorable in the portion of the study that addressed impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications. In the comments provided to the FCC as they prepared the study, the ARRL -- as well as numerous individuals -- cited the proliferation of specific land-use restrictions, such as deed restrictions and homeowners associations covenants, that prohibit the erection of even modest Amateur Radio antennas.

The ARRL cited that such restrictions now apply to tens of millions of homes and condominiums. In communities across every state, these restrictions make finding suitable living arrangements that would also allow amateurs to participate effectively in providing support communications nearly impossible to find. The FCC disagreed with that assessment stating “…our review of the record does not indicate that amateur operators are unable to find homes that are not subject to such restrictions. Therefore, at this time, we do not see a compelling reason for the Commission to revisit its previous determinations that preemption should not be expanded to CC&Rs.”- READ FULL ARTICLE <--LINK

It would be great if some of my friends  were exempted from the restrictive rules of their HOAs and Deeds.