August,
AA> Whaaat? Some countries are not accepting QSL cards? Aren't they just
AA> like postcards? I thought people could send postcards from all around
AA> the world, still. What countries are not accepting?
Offhand, I don't know their names. But, with all the political unrest,
and even reports of mail being stolen, it's just easier and cheaper to
eQSL (QSL electronically). But, not every area has internet access, and
in some countries, all content (internet and otherwise) is heavily
regulated and "spied on" by goverment entities.
There are "reciprocal operating agreements" and "third party traffic
agreements", where amateur radio operators can communicate with other
amateur radio operators in certain countries, provided communication
is of a personal and "non-political" nature.
Usually, ham radio operators send their cards to a QSL Bureau, for processing,
as it's much cheaper than doing it on their own. Yet, with
the US Postal Service now taking a minimum of 5 days to deliver First
Class Mail...along with several reports of losing mail (I've experienced
that)...folks are doing eQSL's now. It used to be required the use of
International Reply Coupons (IRC's) to pay for postage, but these are
no longer permitted. If there was anything of currency sent through
the mail, it likely would get stolen.
Daryl, WX4QZ
... Life isn't Burger King; you can't always Have It Your Way
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