Question E1F09:
[FCC Part 97.113(a)(4)] Which of the following cannot be transmitted over an amateur radio mesh network?  

Choices:  
A: Third party traffic  
B: Email  
C: Messages encoded to obscure their meaning  
D: All these choices are correct    

Correct Answer is  C: Messages encoded to obscure their meaning  

Correct answer: C — Messages encoded to obscure their meaning

1) Why C is correct
- FCC Part 97.113(a)(4) prohibits transmitting “messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning” on any amateur service transmission, including on an amateur radio mesh network.
- The only narrow exceptions are certain control links (e.g., telecommand of space stations). Routine user traffic on a mesh (voice, files, email, chat, etc.) may not be encrypted or otherwise hidden.

2) Why the other choices are incorrect
- A: Third party traffic — Allowed under §97.115, provided it complies with all content rules (non-commercial, no obscuring/encryption, etc.) and, if international, is permitted by a third-party agreement.
- B: Email — Allowed so long as it complies with Part 97 (no business content, no obscuring/encryption, proper ID, etc.). An amateur mesh can carry email just like any other amateur data mode.
- D: All these choices are correct — Incorrect because A and B are permitted under the rules; only C is prohibited.

3) Useful rules of thumb
- If you couldn’t send it over voice on ham radio, you can’t send it over a ham mesh.
- No encryption or codes intended to hide meaning: prohibited by §97.113(a)(4).
- Third-party and email traffic: OK if non-commercial, unencrypted (not obscured), properly identified, and otherwise Part 97 compliant.