Amateur Radio License Validation Policy

Because of abuse from users of the WinLink 2000 network system who do not hold a proper license, the following policy has been implemented:

All stations will be verified by the WinLink 2000 system operators, and those who cannot be identified by their country's listed amateur call directory may be required to provide proof of license within 7 days from the notification date.

For any Amateur Radio operator using the WinLink 2000 Network not holding a class license that permits operations in the HF Ham bands, proof of any "special temporary authority" through CEPT, IARP or any other special type of arrangement under the umbrella of a specific country must be provided prior to using WinLink 2000. Existing stations discovered operating under a "special authority" permit will be required to provide proof of their license within 7 days of notification. User stations accessing the Winlink 2000 system over the Amateur Radio bands always have a geographic limitation. Therefore, the station operating under such authority will also provide its location.

For the IARP or CEPT permits, a copy of the permit is necessary. For the Mexican Temporary Permit, such proof will come in the form of a copy of an "Application Receipt" or actual permit. It is understood that most who apply for this permit do not receive it before they start operation. This is permissible as long as we have a copy of the actual application receipt.

Such license verifications may be FAXED to Rick Muething, KN6KB at (775) 490-1399 or E-mailed with scanned attachment to Rick Muething KN6KB, using this link.

Any station using the WinLink 2000 Network without a proper license who has not complied with the above request will be locked from the system, world-wide.

Exceptions always apply to serious emergency communications.

Each government hosting a participating WinLink 2000 station expressly directs such stations operating within their jurisdiction to be responsible by applying the same principles of self-regulation as is expected with any other amateur radio service. It is unfortunate that because of abuses, we must inconvenience ourselves and our users in order to protect all those who are legally using the system.

We are sorry for the inconvenience.

The Winlink Development Team