[aprssig] Txt messaging

[Greg D]

Thanks, Tom.  I wasn't aware of the (c) exception.

Clarifying, who is the "first forwarding station"...  Two cases:  Direct
from RF to either RF or IS, and from IS to RF.  If the violating packet
comes from RF, section (b) applies, not the iGate (or Digi, for that
matter).  So, the iGate's risk is primarily from IS to RF, with the
violating packet originating from an internet-based client.  Since the
IS system isn't ham radio, the Tx iGate is the first forwarding
station.  We're therefore depending on the IS client "passcode" for our
protection under section (d)(1). 

So, drifting a bit further, a reminder:  Everyone needs to be very
careful in giving out APRS passcodes!  They are not there to annoy,
they're in place to protect our collective licenses.

Greg  KO6TH


Tom Hayward wrote:
> On Thu, Aug 31, 2017 at 12:07 PM, Greg D <ko6th.greg at gmail.com> wrote:
>> The problem is
>> that an iGate is not covered under the "safe harbor" laws, meaning if
>> some license-risking traffic traverses your iGate, even through no fault
>> of your own, it's your license that is at stake.
> We're going off on a tangent here, but IMO, § 97.219 applies here:
>
> § 97.219 Message forwarding system.
>
> (a) Any amateur station may participate in a message forwarding
> system, subject to the privileges of the class of operator license
> held.
> (b) For stations participating in a message forwarding system, the
> control operator of the station originating a message is primarily
> accountable for any violation of the rules in this part contained in
> the message.
> (c) Except as noted in (d) of this section, for stations participating
> in a message forwarding system, the control operators of forwarding
> stations that retransmit inadvertently communications that violate the
> rules in this part are not accountable for the violative
> communications. They are, however, responsible for discontinuing such
> communications once they become aware of their presence.
> (d) For stations participating in a message forwarding system, the
> control operator of the first forwarding station must:
> (1) Authenticate the identity of the station from which it accepts
> communications on behalf of the system; or
> (2) Accept accountability for any violation of the rules in this part
> contained in messages it retransmits to the system.
>
>
> APRS-IS makes an (albeit naive) attempt at authentication, so if your
> station retransmits inadvertently communications that violate the
> rules, it does not risk your license until you are aware of its
> presence and don't discontinue it.
>
> Note: FCC rules are only applicable in the US, where Greg is located.
>
> Tom KD7LXL
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