Report No. DC-2673         ACTION IN DOCKET CASE           October 26, 1994


         FCC TERMINATES PROCEEDING TO AMEND AMATEUR SERVICE RULES
            TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL TEMPORARY LICENSE FOR VISITING
                         FOREIGN AMATEUR OPERATORS
                          (PR DOCKET NO. 92-167)

     The Commission has terminated the proceeding which proposed
to amend the amateur radio service rules to provide a special
temporary licensing procedure for visiting foreign amateur
operators.

     This proceeding proposed that a temporary licensing
procedure be made available to foreign amateur operators who are
visiting the United States as tourist or as convention attendees. 
The proposal would have allowed volunteer examiners (VEs) in the
existing volunteer-examiner coordinator (VEC) system to accept
the amateur service licenses of visiting amateur operators as
proof of technical and operational competence.  It was also
proposed that the VEs administer a brief examination to the
visitor on the rules governing the amateur service in the United
States.

     In light of concerns expressed by commenters, the Commission
decided not to amend the amateur service rules as proposed.  The
Commission recognized, however, the need for a convenient
licensing procedure for visiting foreign amateur operators and
have noted the suggestions in the comments for alternative means
of licensing visiting foreign amateur operators.  The Commission
will therefore continue to explore other options for meeting this
need and will work to ensure the reciprocal treatment of United
States amateur operators--whether through bilateral or
multilateral arrangements. 

     Action by the Commission October 24, 1994, by Memorandum
Opinion and Order (FCC 94-274).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners
Quello, Barrett, Ness, and Chong.

                                   -FCC-

     News Media contact: Patricia A. Chew at (202) 418-0500.
     Private Radio Bureau contact: Maurice J. DePont at (202)
632-4964.