Deep Dive: T1A08
The correct answer is B: Volunteer Frequency Coordinator recognized by local amateurs. Frequency coordinators are volunteers from the amateur radio community who help manage shared resources like repeater frequencies. They are not government employees but are recognized and supported by local amateur operators who use repeaters and auxiliary stations. The frequency coordination system is a self-regulatory mechanism within the amateur radio community. Coordinators study local frequency usage, recommend specific frequencies for new repeaters to minimize interference, and help resolve conflicts between operators. This system works because amateurs voluntarily respect the coordinator's recommendations, even though they're not legally binding. The FCC does not appoint coordinators - they emerge from and are supported by the local amateur community. This reflects the amateur radio principle of self-regulation and community cooperation.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. The FCC does not appoint Frequency Spectrum Managers for amateur radio. The amateur service uses a volunteer coordination system, not government-appointed managers. Option C: Incorrect. FCC Regional Field Offices handle enforcement and licensing matters but do not coordinate repeater frequencies. Frequency coordination is handled by volunteers, not FCC field offices. Option D: Incorrect. The ITU (International Telecommunication Union) sets international frequency allocations but does not coordinate specific repeater channels for local amateur use.
Exam Tip
Frequency Coordinator = Volunteer, not government. Remember that amateur radio relies on volunteer coordination. The coordinator is a fellow amateur who helps manage shared resources, not a government official.
Memory Aid
**F**requency **C**oordinator = **F**ellow **C**lub member (think 'FC' = Friendly Coordinator, not Federal Commission)
Real-World Example
Your local amateur radio club wants to set up a new 2-meter repeater. Before choosing a frequency, you contact the local frequency coordinator, who is a volunteer amateur operator familiar with all the repeaters in your area. The coordinator reviews the available frequencies, checks for potential interference, and recommends a specific pair (like 146.760/146.160 MHz) that won't conflict with existing repeaters. You follow this recommendation, and your new repeater operates without causing interference.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool
Subelement: T1A
Reference: FCC Part 97.205
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T1A topic.