Logbook of the World (LoTW) is a web-accessed database provided by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) to implement a contact verification service among amateur radio operators. Using LoTW, radio amateurs (hams) are able to claim and verify contacts (QSOs) made with other amateurs, generally for claiming credit for operating awards, such as DXCC. Previously, hams had to rely on paper QSL cards and submit to ARRL; a slow and somewhat expensive process. LoTW began operation in 2003.[1]