Operator Selected Remotes (OSR)

The Original Operator Selected Remotes Program

The Operator Selected Remotes (OSR) program was introduced to allow licensed amateur radio operators to operate HamSphere stations using reciprocal callsigns from locations around the world. Over the years, thousands of operators enjoyed the opportunity to activate rare and interesting locations that would otherwise have been unavailable.

As the program expanded, however, it became increasingly difficult to verify that every OSR continued to meet the required operating standards. Despite several revisions to the rules, the system became difficult to administer fairly and was therefore closed to new applications in 2022. A small number of existing OSR operators were allowed to retain their stations under the revised program rules at the current subscription fee of €100 per year, provided they continue to meet the renewal requirements.

A New Generation: Operator Selected Islands (OSI)

Following several years of requests from the HamSphere community, we are pleased to introduce Operator Selected Islands (OSI).

OSI builds on the same successful concept as OSR while introducing a more structured and sustainable administration model. Rather than accepting locations worldwide, the program is focused exclusively on carefully selected inhabited islands with documented mains electricity and reliable Internet connectivity.

By limiting the program to suitable island locations, HamSphere can maintain a consistently high standard while making administration simpler, fairer and more transparent.

Operator Selected Islands extend your licensed HamSphere station with reciprocal callsigns using International Telecommunication Union (ITU) assigned island prefixes for islands around the world.

Program Highlights

• Available exclusively to licensed amateur radio operators with a valid amateur radio callsign.
• Standard subscription of €25 for 3 months, payable securely through Stripe.
• Reciprocal callsigns using official ITU assigned island prefixes.
• Selected premium islands are available through auction.
• Multiple operators may share the same island prefix.
• Approved OSI callsigns remain permanently associated with your HamSphere account.
• Dormant OSI stations may be reactivated at any time by renewing the subscription.
• Operators may initially activate up to two OSI stations, increasing to a maximum of five after three months.

The OSI program preserves the spirit of the original OSR system while providing a modern framework that is easier to administer, easier to verify and capable of supporting many more island operations in the years ahead.

Legacy OSR Fund

As a token of appreciation to the operators who supported the original OSR program, HamSphere has established the Legacy OSR Fund.

If your former OSR callsign matches your current OSI station, your historical purchases are preserved as Legacy Credits. These credits become available gradually as you actively operate your OSI station, recognizing the commitment of long time operators while encouraging continued activity within the new Operator Selected Islands program.

We would like to thank everyone who supported the Operator Selected Remotes program over the years and warmly welcome both existing OSR operators and new participants to the exciting world of Operator Selected Islands.