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Not just nationwide, but to a lot of places around the globe. Although, as I said previously, the Technician-class license is fairly restrictive on frequencies and power levels, repeaters that connect to the Internet have become very inexpensive and very common (almost too common).

Thank you Kit, I'm pretty sure it was you who brought this up a thread or two ago and got me thinking about it again. As Cletus questioned in post 479, if folks aren't honest, there's no FCC enforcement on who uses the equipment. There's no reason tech Nellie couldn't have all the fancy equipment (that I can't afford) and do whatever she wants worldwide. Or allow foreign agents the use of said equipment. Truly, under Zero, why did she bother to get the tech license? The capability is there to just use.

This may not have been a very important piece of information in the big picture, but it has nagged at me.

:: why did she bother to get the tech license? ::

Because her signal can and would be traced back to her physical antenna. FCC has roving "compliance" vehicles that monitor and remind HAMs to start and end their broadcast sessions with their license ID, among other things.

HAMs don't want that "late night knock" on the door so they include their ID.

Not the real thing, but you get the idea...

(At least, that's how it was for my neighbor in the 1970s)

“Why did she bother to get the license?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THAT is the key question!
1. FCC has enforcement authority over the airwaves and can impose fines and even jail time for offenders.
2. There are FCC-santioned volunteer enforcers that will send postcard notifications to a licensed operator for minor things (too much power, operating outside of band, causing interference).
3. Anyone can purchase amateur radio equipment - no license required.
4. Virtually EVERY piece of ham transmitter equipment you can buy is capable of transmmitting outside the Technician frequencies. Hams are supposed to ‘self-police’.

Given these facts, the only reason I can surmise to answer your question is...

Many repeaters are ‘closed’ meaning you have to be a member of a club or group in order to gain access. In order to be a member of a club, you generally need to show them your license. If you can’t present a license, or don’t have one yet, there’s no reason for you to get the repeater codes. Thus, getting the basic Technician license would get you onto many repeater networks through club membership. Hiding in plain sight?

Quod erat demonstrandum.
K