About ERN

Experimental Radio News is a free newsletter that highlights FCC-authorized experiments of special interest. These are licensed in the Experimental Radio Service or granted Special Temporary Authorization.

They include new technologies, stealth-mode and startup companies, research and educational projects, product development and demonstrations. Topics include consumer electronics, satellites, autonomous systems, high-frequency stations, security systems and mobile communications on land, sea or in the air.

Many experimental licenses are Wi-Fi or 5G related, vehicle radar, media production or defense contracts. ERN does not usually cover these routine items.

Isn't this material confidential?

A license applicant may ask the FCC to withhold certain commercially sensitive content from public inspection. Even when the FCC grants such requests it is often possible to extract meaningful information from media sources and other material in the applicant's file.

Why do you publish callsigns?

The callsign usually confirms that a license was issued, that the licensee is expected to conduct experiments and has made legal promises to the government. Sometimes a callsign is granted while a license is still pending.

A callsign may help you identify a station on the air. Some are exempt from, or may ignore, the station identification requirement.

Where are issues 1 and 2?

ERN 1 and 2 were published on another platform and no longer available.

About the editor

As a reporter, editor and publisher, Bennett Kobb has covered technical topics for more than 40 years. He is a Senior Member and a Life Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). His prior engagements have included Telecommunications Reports, the National Science Foundation, Pew Charitable Trusts, Public Technology Institute, Civil Rights Forum on Communications Policy, Aeronautical Repair Station Association, the Telecommunications Industry Association and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Cost of subscription

Subscribe for free. Unsubscribe at any time. ERN is a nonrevenue activity and is independent of any company or agency. It is published as time permits.

No password needed

ERN uses the Ghost platform which does not use passwords. It will mail you the newsletter in HTML format. As a subscriber, to read ERN on this website, sign in with your E-mail address. Ghost will send you a link to the full site.

Your address is used only to mail the newsletter and give you access to the site.

Thanks for your support

Follow ERN on Twitter @experimradio. The RSS feed is at this link. This website is www.experimentalradio.news. Please share ERN with your colleagues.

Experimental Radio News is ©2019-2024, Bennett Z. Kobb.