2025 Year-End Review: Amateur Radio News, FCC Updates & Silent Keys

As we close out 2025, Marvin Turner, W0MET, takes a comprehensive look back at the year in amateur radio. In this special year-end episode of The Ham Radio Guy, we cover the biggest equipment releases, major FCC and regulatory developments, industry changes, and key public-service milestones that shaped the hobby.

Highlights include new radios from Yaesu, FlexRadio, Icom, and Kenwood, the expansion of the 60-meter band, ongoing spectrum and antenna-rights advocacy, the shutdown of Hamshack Hotline, and SteppIR’s exit from the amateur antenna market. We also reflect on milestones like the IARU’s 100th anniversary, the Hurricane Watch Net’s 60 years of service, and ARISS special events aboard the International Space Station.

The episode concludes with a respectful tribute to several Silent Keys whose leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on amateur radio.

Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to the bands, this episode offers a thoughtful recap of where amateur radio has been—and where it’s headed next.

73,
Marvin, W0MET

    Affiliate Links   Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy   Hamstuffonline.com   American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.   ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=w0met10   County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO   Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3.  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.   Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24   Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/    https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231   Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping   Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy   Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl SOCIAL MEDIA   https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy    https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy   Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com   Sign up for the newsletter