July 21, 2026
Remote Operating: Using Your Ham License from Another Location
FCC Part 97 allows amateur radio remote operation. Here's how to legally operate your station from another location and what the rules require.
Amateur radio remote operation — controlling a radio station from a location other than where the transmitter is physically located — has become increasingly popular. Internet-linked remote stations allow operators to access HF bands from a city apartment, operate while traveling, or share a well-equipped station with club members. FCC Part 97 explicitly permits remote operation under specific conditions.
What Part 97 Says About Remote Operation
FCC Part 97.213 governs telecommand of amateur stations (remote operation). The key requirements are:
- The control operator must be a licensed amateur at least at the level required for the frequency being used
- The station must be capable of being immediately shut off from the control point
- The control link does not need to be on an amateur frequency — internet control is explicitly permitted
- The station call sign is used regardless of where the control operator is located
Remote Station Infrastructure
A typical amateur radio remote station consists of:
- Transceiver connected to antennas at the remote site
- Computer or server managing the audio and control interface
- Internet connection at the remote site
- Software like RemoteHams, SDR-Control, or proprietary solutions from radio manufacturers (Elecraft, Kenwood, Yaesu all offer remote operation software)
Third-Party Remote Station Access
Some operators make their remote stations available to other licensed amateurs. This is permitted under Part 97 as long as the person using the station holds the appropriate license class for the frequency. The station call sign must still be used — operating on someone else's remote station does not mean you use your own call sign.
Commercial Remote Station Services
Services like RemoteHamRadio (RHR) provide access to high-quality remote HF stations on a subscription basis. Using such services requires a valid FCC amateur radio license with the appropriate class for the bands used. The remote operator is the control operator and is legally responsible for the transmissions.