About ERN

"ERN is a fascinating 'read it right now' publication about radio technology developments I wouldn’t otherwise hear about. Literally the items mentioned in ERN are at the bleeding (experimental) edge of radio technology. ...In my occasional research relating to the FCC, I can attest that it takes significant research work, skill, and time investment to dig out original material that is very professionally presented in ERN." – Steve Stroh, Zero Retries

Experimental Radio News highlights experiments of special interest, licensed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These are stations in the Experimental Radio Service, granted Special Temporary Authorization, or licensed in one of the space services.

ERN reviews large numbers of such licenses and chooses a handful of standouts for each issue. Some licensees are in stealth mode and have not made public announcements, but ERN will extract their data from FCC records.

They include startup companies, research and educational projects, product development and demonstrations. Topics include consumer electronics, satellites, autonomous systems, high-frequency stations, security systems, energy related ventures and mobile communications on land, sea or in the air.

ERN broke the story about the FCC walking back its long-held policy that exempted high-power experimental stations from station identification.

Many experimental licenses are Wi-Fi related, GPS, vehicle radar, media production or defense contracts. ERN does not usually cover these routine items.

Isn't this material confidential?

A license applicant may ask the FCC to withhold sensitive content from public inspection. Sometimes the FCC exposes this material anyway.

ERN uses open-source methods to derive meaningful data from public sources and other material in the applicant's file.

Why the callsigns?

A callsign enables the reader to investigate a license further if desired. It confirms that a license was issued, that the licensee is expected to conduct experiments and has made legal promises to the government. The FCC will sometimes issue a callsign while the license is still pending.

Where are issues 1 and 2?

ERN 1 and 2 were published on another platform and no longer available.

About the editor

As a reporter, editor and publisher, Bennett Kobb has covered technology news for more than 40 years. He holds a M.S. in telecommunications from the University of Colorado. Bennett is a Fellow of the Radio Club of America and a Senior Member and Life Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

His prior roles have included positions at the National Science Foundation and Telecommunications Industry Association. During 2020–2024, he supported the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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