ARRL

ARRL, the American Radio Relay League, is the national association for amateur radio in the United States. Founded in 1914, it represents a broad community of radio amateurs before the Federal Communications Commission and international regulatory bodies. The organization is headquartered in Newington, Connecticut, and operates as a non-profit membership association.

ARRL provides resources for licensing, operation, and technical education. It coordinates licensing exams through Volunteer Examiner Coordinators, publishes technical and operating guidance, and maintains reference materials such as the ARRL Handbook and The Antenna Book. Its publishing program includes QST, a monthly member magazine, and On the Air, a general-audience magazine focused on acquisition and operations.

The league is active in emergency communications and public service. It supports the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the National Traffic System (NTS), and it promotes preparedness through annual events such as Field Day, which simulates emergency operation and public service.

ARRL engages in policy and spectrum advocacy, working with the FCC and international bodies to defend amateur radio bands and interests. It provides guidance to clubs and individual operators, conducts technical testing and reviews, and maintains various educational and outreach programs to promote radio experimentation and public service.

Membership is open to licensed amateurs and others with an interest in radio. The ARRL operates a variety of programs and services to support hobbyists, educators, and emergency responders, consolidating resources, standards, and advocacy under a single national umbrella.