CRC Assists Investigation in Varna: Amateur Radio Activity Under Strict Control

The Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) is assisting the investigation into the case in Varna, in which a man was arrested for broadcasting a message in the air, imitating the early warning system. A pre-trial investigation has been initiated in the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Varna, the regulator said in response to a BTA inquiry.

The commission clarified that amateur radio activity in Bulgaria is strictly regulated and can only be carried out in compliance with clear rules. Amateur radio is a technical hobby without material interest and is carried out for personal purposes. It covers the transmission and reception of information through radio communication means for the purpose of training and self-training, technical research and the establishment of amateur radio links. The conditions for the use of the radio frequency spectrum, the technical parameters of the operation of radio equipment and the requirements for the persons who use them are regulated in the Rules for the use of the radio frequency spectrum for radio equipment of the amateur radio service.

According to these rules, radio equipment can only be used within the class of the amateur radio license. This includes strictly defined powers, radio frequency bands and classes of emission, specified in an appendix to the rules. Amateur radio activity can only be carried out by persons who have successfully passed an exam and hold a valid amateur radio license or a harmonized amateur radio certificate (HAREC).

The CRC emphasizes that radio amateurs also have specific obligations. Among them is the explicit prohibition of transmitting misleading signals for disaster, for extraordinary circumstances or other messages with similar content that may create panic or mislead the public and institutions.

In case of violation of these requirements, the Electronic Communications Act provides for administrative and penal liability. The sanction for violating the rules is a fine of 500 to 5000 leva. In addition, the regulations also provide for a procedure for the revocation of the amateur radio license in case of a detected violation, which in practice deprives the person of the right to exercise such activity.