Question
Until an upgrade to General class is shown in the FCC database, when must a Technician licensee identify with “AG” after their call sign?
Answer Options
- A) Whenever they operate using General class frequency privileges
- B) Whenever they operate on any amateur frequency
- C) Whenever they operate using Technician frequency privileges
- D) A special identifier is not required if their General class license application has been filed with the FCC
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
A Technician class licensee who passes the General class exam and receives a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) is immediately granted the privileges of the General class. However, until the FCC database is updated with their new license class, they must use a temporary identifier to signify their advanced privileges. FCC Rule \S 97.119(\text{f})(\text{2}) requires the licensee to use ‘/AG’ (for General) after their call sign whenever they operate using the newly acquired General class frequency privileges.
This identification informs other operators and monitoring authorities that, although the FCC database may still show a Technician license, the operator is authorized for the General class frequencies. Once the FCC database shows the General class license, the special identifier is no longer necessary.
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