But doesn’t the government have to license and approve you? Why?
Ya, you can get a license...So what?
Are you suggesting the feds don't know every detail about you already?
Get real.
Radio transmission is like real estate: desirable ranges are in short supply, so the government performs an appropriate role by managing who is allowed to use/own what parcels, and charge reasonable costs for doing so. Can’t let any idiot just show up and start trampling & squatting.
And BTW, like the rest of government, they’re nearly broke and spend all their time figuring out more ways to loot your pockets so amateur radio isn’t a big concern for them.
Several real good reasons. Your safety and the safety of others. An untrained user can do serious injury to themselves and others via RF radiation. An untrained user can also disrupt others communications. If you want to see what elimination of license did for radio buy a CB. My first one required a license. By the time I bought my second one licenses were no longer required.
There's nothing like listening to some pilled up Moron cussing away on a CB enhanced with a 500 watt boost & a Roger Mike. Licensing helps maintain needed knowledge, skills, and disciple, needed on the radio bands for them to be functional for all. Without it anarchy would prevail. What would stop Bubba from running a TV station next door to you and coming in on every electronic piece equipment you own?
Getting an Amateur Radio License is actually quite easy. There are only three license classifications now, Technician, General and Extra.
Everyone starts out having to take the Technician test. It's 35 questions and honestly, it's easy. Mostly common sense, some questions about the rules, and very basic electronics (two or three formula's tops.)
Amazon.Com has the Technician Class Study Guide and there are all kinds of "free" sites on the web that can be used to study and take mock tests.
The "hardest part" is finding a local amateur radio group that gives the license tests. A quick Google Search can locate one for you.
I started 6 years ago as a Technician Class and passed the test getting 35/35 right in 10 minutes. If I can do that, anyone can. Did the same on the General Class license. Am planning on taking my Extra test in a few weeks.
I have A LOT of fun in the hobby. Made contacts all over the world, over 160 countries thus far including Japan, China, Turkey, Israel, Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Oman, Senegal, Malaysia and more. I've even gotten the International Space Station when it passed overhead three years ago. Have the certificate for that contact and my kids thought it was cool.