VC9A DXnews 10dec2025
124th Anniversary of Marconi's 1901 Transatlantic Transmission: Celebrating a Milestone in Global Communication
On December 12, 2025, the world marks the 124th anniversary of one of the most groundbreaking achievements in the history of communication — Guglielmo Marconi’s first successful transatlantic wireless transmission. This monumental event, which took place on December 12, 1901, forever changed the way humanity connects across vast distances, ushering in the era of wireless communication.
In 1901, Italian inventor and radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi defied skeptics who believed the curvature of the Earth would prevent radio waves from travelling across the Atlantic Ocean. From Poldhu, Cornwall, England, Marconi transmitted a simple Morse code signal — the letter “S” (three dots) — which was received faintly but unmistakably in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. This transmission, spanning over 2,100 miles (3,440 kilometres), was the first-ever wireless communication across the Atlantic, demonstrating that radio waves could travel beyond the horizon and revolutionizing global communication (source: gb2gm.org, ethw.org).
To commemorate this historic milestone, the Atlantic Canada DX & Contest Group will honour the 124th anniversary with a special event callsign, VC9A. This callsign will be active during the anniversary period, allowing amateur radio enthusiasts and the public to celebrate Marconi’s pioneering achievement and its enduring impact on communication technology.
The special event callsign VC9A serves not only as a tribute to Marconi’s ingenuity but also as a reminder of Atlantic Canada’s important role in this historic transmission. Newfoundland was the receiving point for Marconi’s signal, making the region a key location in the story of wireless communication.
Marconi’s successful transatlantic transmission marked a pivotal moment in the history of science and technology. It laid the groundwork for modern radio, broadcasting, and wireless communication systems that connect billions of people globally today. The ability to send messages without wires fundamentally transformed maritime safety, international diplomacy, and everyday communication.
This breakthrough also paved the way for future innovations in telecommunications, including television, satellite communication, and the internet. Marconi’s work demonstrated the power of persistence, innovation, and vision in overcoming technological challenges.
Amateur radio operators, historians, and communication enthusiasts worldwide are encouraged to participate in the activities surrounding the 124th anniversary. The operation of VC9A will provide a unique opportunity to experience a piece of history firsthand and connect with others who share a passion for radio technology and its heritage.
For more information about the special event and how to contact VC9A, visit the Atlantic Canada DX & Contest Group’s official channels and the commemorative event page at gb2gm.org.
The 124th anniversary of Marconi’s transatlantic transmission is not just a celebration of a past achievement — it is a tribute to the spirit of innovation that continues to drive communication technology forward. Through VC9A, the legacy of Marconi’s historic signal lives on, inspiring new generations to explore the airwaves and push the boundaries of what is possible.
The Historic MomentHonouring the Legacy: VC9A Special Event CallsignThe Impact of Marconi’s AchievementJoin the Celebration
