From: rossi@gvlf9-q.gvl.unisys.com (Pete Rossi)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.policy
Subject: Re: Truckers, Pizza, Policy - an idea.
Date: 31 Jul 92 14:45:15 GMT
Organization: Paramax Systems Corp (A Unisys Company), Great Valley Labs, PA

In article <d5pmn9q.pdh@netcom.com> pdh@netcom.com (Phil Howard ) writes:
>jerry@ncc.uky.edu (Jerry Nokes Jr.) writes:
>
>>     What are the requirements for a transmission on Amateur Radio to be 
>>considered "Business"?

The way I see it, business use of ham radio is presently is like a 
closed door.  It is 100% closed.  Not permitted, Period.  The question is,
should the door remain closed (and locked) or should it be opened a little?

There are some who would like to see the door opened just a small crack.
It sounds good in theory, but many (me included) are concerned that once
the door is opened a little, abuses, loopholes, etc., will blow the door
right off the hinges and ruin it for everyone.

I see no problems with a ham making *occasional* use of his radio to
contact a business establishment as long as it does not benefit HIS OWN
business.  For example, if I use my ham radio to order pizza on the
autopatch creates no financial gain to me.  The pizza store would get
the business whether he got the order by regular telephone, autopatch, or
carrier pigeon.  The owner of the pizza store, however, could NOT use
ham radio in any way to the benefit of HIS pizza business such as maintain
contact between delivery drivers, etc.. 

Another way of looking at it is that for any kind of business related uses,
a business would not be allowed to INITIATE any kind of business traffic
for his own business, however, he could participate in the business traffic
initiated by the person who has no affiliation with the business.  This would
allow a private individual to call a business and order something, call for
a tow truck, etc, etc, but he could NOT call his own business and conduct
any kind of business traffic (check for messages, etc.) since he would be
using the ham radio for the benefit of his OWN business.

This restriction would also take of business to business traffic too.  If a
ham from Fred's garage, while out towing a car, calls Joe's pizza to order
lunch that would be OK since it does not directly benefit the garage business.
But the same ham from Fred's garage could NOT call Bob's auto parts to order
a water pump for the car he is towing.

The real key to the whole problem is GOOD JUDGMENT.  Some people seem to
think that just because they have autopatch the HAVE TO USE IT.  Most
times it is totally inappropriate.

The idea needs a lot of rough edges smoothed out.  Maybe is has holes in
it that I have missed.  This concept would sort of allow the business 'door'
to be opened, but only in one direction.

It is tricky issue, but has to be resolved if we are to make the most
effective use of our frequencies and technology in the coming years.

=================================================================
Pete Rossi - WA3NNA                  rossi@gvl.unisys.com

Paramax Systems Corporation - a Unisys Company
Electronic Systems - Valley Forge Labs - Paoli, Pennsylvania
=================================================================
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.policy