ARRL's Logbook of the World (LoTW) system is a repository of
log records submitted by users from around the world. When both
participants in a QSO submit matching QSO records to LoTW, the result is
a QSL that can be used for ARRL award credit.
To minimize the chance of fraudulent submissions to LoTW, all QSO
records must be digitally signed using a digital certificate obtained
from ARRL. Obtaining such a certificate requires verification of the
licensee's identity either through mail verification (US) or inspection
by ARRL of required documentation (non-US).
Software developed
by ARRL can be used to convert a log file (in ADIF or Cabrillo file
format) into a file of digitally signed QSO data, ready for submission
to LoTW.
LoTW began operation on September 15, 2003.
How much does it cost to use Logbook of the World?
There is no charge for digital certificates or for submitting log
data to the LoTW system. A charge is levied only when you apply for an
award using QSL matches obtained via LoTW. (Note that there's a charge
for awards no matter how you apply for them).
The specific fees charged for using Logbook data for awards vary
depending on how many credits you buy at one time. See the
Fees page for details.
Is LoTW going to produce QSLs like EQSL.cc?
No. Logbook of the World is initially designed to create awards
credit, that is to say, that if your QSO matches that of another
station, either you or the other operator may be able to apply that
confirmed QSO to various awards. Creating an image based in-part on the
QSO information for the purpose of making a file that can be printed, or
creating a QSL card, is not presently part of LoTW. There are other
services available that can do that. LoTW goes a step or two beyond the
conception of a QSL card (which is essentially a one-sided request for a
confirmation from the other side of the QSO) by verifying that a QSO
occurred between two stations, based on the 'signed' data submitted by
each.