Amateur-service regulations

The "amateur service" is an official radiocommunication service, defined globally by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) and applied nationally — in France by the ANFR.

Worldwide layout. The ITU divides the globe into 3 regions: Region 1 (Europe, Africa, Middle East, Russia), Region 2 (Americas), Region 3 (Asia-Pacific). Frequency allocations can differ between regions — France is in Region 1.

Band status. A band is allocated on a primary basis (priority service, protected) or a secondary one (tolerated, must not interfere with the primary and cannot claim protection from it). The amateur service is primary on some bands and secondary on others.

Harmonisation. The certificate follows the European HAREC standard; the CEPT recommendation lets you operate in many countries with your national callsign.

Operator obligations: use your callsign, respect the authorised bands and power levels, do not interfere, do not transmit forbidden content (commercial, or encrypted to conceal meaning…), possibly keep a logbook, and keep control of your installation.