January 2003 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[ARRL-ODV:8342] FCC and NTIA Sign an MOU on Specrtrum Management
by W3KD＠aol.com 31 Jan '03

31 Jan '03

Greetings. Now here is something interesting. FCC announced today in its releases and on the front of its web page that it has signed an MOU with NTIA dealing with spectrum management. You will recall that one of the things we urged FCC to do in our SPTF comments filed this past Monday was to coordinate their activities. While it would be nice to think we had some influence on this, of course we didn't. However, it is gratifying that FCC and NTIA will, from now on, "resolve technical, procedural, and policy differences by consensus wherever possible." Of course, a cynic might think that this was done just to head off Congress, and Senator Burns's office, with which Derek Riker from Chwat's office and I met yesterday to look for a carrier bill for our Spectrum Protection Act, is apparently ready to hit both agencies pretty hard in his Spectrum Management bill. PDF File attached. 73, Chris W3KD

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[ARRL-ODV:8341] FCC reallocates Spectrum for New Wireless Services
by Jim Maxwell 31 Jan '03

31 Jan '03

From Dewayne Hendricks' mailing list. They're getting close. 73. Jim, W6CF FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: January 30, 2003 Lisa Gaisford (202) 418-7280 FCC REALLOCATES SPECTRUM FOR NEW WIRELESS SERVICES Washington, DC - The Federal Communications Commission has reallocated spectrum that can be used to provide a variety of new wireless services, including advanced wireless services (AWS), commonly referred to as "Third Generation" or "IMT-2000." The Commission reallocated 30 megahertz of spectrum from the 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Service (2 GHz MSS) to fixed and mobile services. The Commission also sought comment on potential uses of an additional 15 megahertz of spectrum previously identified for new wireless services and on increased flexibility in the Unlicensed Personal Communications Service (UPCS) band. These actions will facilitate more efficient use of existing spectrum and enable an expanded array of innovative products and services for consumers. In a Third Report and Order ("Order"), the Commission allocated for fixed and mobile wireless services the 1990-2000 MHz, 2020-2025 MHz, and 2165-2180 MHz bands. The Commission concluded that 2 GHz MSS - which is currently authorized to operate in the 1990-2025 MHz and 2165-2200 MHz bands - can operate in less than the 70 megahertz of spectrum it had previously been allocated. The Commission's action retains 40 megahertz of spectrum for 2 GHz MSS in the 2000-2020 MHz and 2180-2200 MHz bands. MSS providers are also operating elsewhere below 3 GHz. In a Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("Notice") the FCC sought further comment on use of the 1910-1920 MHz band. This band is currently available for UPCS asynchronous (generally data) applications, but at present is unused. This band - or a portion thereof - could be paired with the 1990-2000 MHz band to support the development of AWS, or could be used to support the relocation of other wireless licensees. The Commission concluded that the 1920-1930 MHz band should be retained for UPCS use and sought comment on whether it should provide for additional flexibility in that band, as well as any additional spectrum retained for UPCS use in the 1910-1920 MHz band. In the Notice, the Commission also sought additional comment on potential uses for spectrum in the 2155-2160/62 MHz band that is currently used by the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS), and the 2160-2165 MHz band identified for emerging technology use. The Commission also sought comment on suitable relocation spectrum for MDS licensees currently operating in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band, and asked what portions of the 2155-2180 MHz band could be suitable for AWS use. In a Second Memorandum Opinion and Order, the Commission denied a petition for reconsideration seeking reallocation of the entire 2 GHz MSS band for terrestrial wireless use. Action by the Commission on January 29, 2003, by Third Report and Order, Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Second Memorandum Opinion and Order in ET Docket No. 00-258 (FCC 03-16). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Martin, Adelstein with Commissioner Copps approving in part, dissenting in part. Chairman Powell, Commissioners Copps and Adelstein issuing statements. - FCC - Office of Engineering and Technology Contacts: Geraldine Matise 202-418-2322, e-mail: gmatise(a)fcc.gov or Jamison Prime 202-418-7474, e-mail: jprime(a)fcc.gov. ET Docket No. 00-258 STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN MICHAEL K. POWELL Re: Flexibility for Delivery of Communications by Mobile Satellite Service Providers in the 2 GHz Band, the L-Band, and the 1.6/2.4 GHz Bands; IB Docket No. 99-81 (adopted January 28, 2003). Re: Amendment of Part 2 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum Below 3 GHz for Mobile and Fixed Services to Support Introduction of New Advanced Wireless Services, including Third Generation Wireless Systems; ET Docket No. 00-258 (adopted January 28, 2003). Today the Commission releases a family of orders that grants flexibility to licensees that provide substantial satellite service, strictly enforces our satellite milestone policies, and reallocates 30 MHz of spectrum for terrestrial use. Taken together, these orders reflect the Commission's commitment to vigorously guard the public's spectrum resource and to ensure that resource is used efficiently in the public interest. In addition, these orders will further increase the portfolio of spectrum-based services emerging as viable competitors in the voice and broadband marketplace. While I believe today's orders represent the optimal outcome under the constraints of the existing licensing regime, they also highlight areas of our current spectrum policy that warrant particular attention, from the Commission and Congress, if we are to maximize the public interest in spectrum policy. First, we grant existing satellite providers in three bands the option of using their spectrum assignments on the ground as well as in space. Under our traditionally bifurcated licensing regime, satellite and terrestrial spectrum rights have been assigned independent of one another. In some cases, assignment of either satellite or terrestrial rights effectively barred the assignment of the other because of interference concerns. Advances in technology have changed some of these assessments. Sharing is now often possible between satellite and terrestrial, fixed services. Indeed, in cases where the services are severable, the Commission has decided to license the rights to different parties. In other cases, the capacity of two independent services to share is far more limited. In the bands at issue here, the satellite-based services as well as the proposed terrestrial services are mobile, making sharing less feasible. Moreover, the satellite services are already licensed and, in two of the three bands at issue, satellite licensees are already offering service. In the end, I concluded that granting additional rights to existing satellite licensees best protected those services from harmful interference and ensured the spectrum currently allocated to satellite services in these three bands was fully utilized. The dissent argues that the Commission should have sought additional comment on our authority to assess a fee on satellite licensees who would be granted these additional rights. As an initial matter, it should be pointed out that the Commission already sought comment in this proceeding on that very issue. Further comment seems unproductive. However, I concur in the recommendation of the Spectrum Policy Task Force that Congress consider granting the Commission fee authority. Authorizing such fees would provide the Commission with an important tool for ensuring efficient use of the public spectrum resource. Second, today's orders emphasize the importance of milestones in our satellite licensing regime. The Commission has long acknowledged that satellite-based communications present unique challenges. Specifically there is often a tremendous lag time between the filing of an application and the actual provision of service. The ITU satellite filing and coordination regime further complicate this process. The time and regulatory resources involved strongly counsel in favor of policies that ensure satellite spectrum goes to providers committed to using the spectrum promptly. Strict enforcement of milestones ensures this result. We will continue to be vigilant that satellite licensees fulfill their obligations to build systems - or the spectrum will be returned and re-licensed. Adherence to the obligation to construct new systems also advances our goal of multiple, facilities-based competitors in all sectors of the communications marketplace, including satellite services. While milestone enforcement is an important policy, the Commission is also examining its satellite policies in a broader context to determine whether our processes unduly hinder market access, and thereby limits competition in voice, broadband, and other markets. The Commission is currently reassessing its satellite licensing regime to determine what improvements can be made. Our current system takes much too long and makes the challenges associated with launching and operating a satellite service all the more complex. Satellite providers should succeed or fail in the marketplace on their own merits - not to have their business plans atrophy on the shelf while the FCC takes years to issue a license. We can and must do better. Finally, the Commission today reallocates 30 MHz of spectrum at 2 GHz previously allocated for satellite use. The Commission also seeks comment on reallocating additional spectrum in the Big LEO band. These actions are not taken lightly. However, I believe that the highest-valued use of this spectrum is no longer for satellite service, and it is more prudent to explore other uses. Going forward, it would be best if the Commission were not called upon to make such command-and-control determinations. If, for example, Congress were to repeal the ORBIT Act as the Task Force recommended, the Commission would be able to adopt a flexible allocation including satellite and terrestrial uses. If mutually exclusive applications were then accepted for filing, the resulting auction would allow the marketplace - rather than the Commission - to decide the highest valued use of the spectrum in question. I believe such an outcome would maximize the public interest and, accordingly, ask Congress to consider allowing the FCC the option of distributing all satellite spectrum rights via auction. Once the Commission determined that 30 MHz of satellite spectrum at 2 GHz would be reallocated, we faced the challenging task of selecting the appropriate bands. One of the most difficult aspects of that decision was to reallocate 10 MHz of globally harmonized spectrum at 1990-2000 MHz. Globally harmonized spectrum is a vital resource and we remain committed to the ITU process and the goals of global harmonization. However, the United States had years ago determined that the 1930-1990 band would be used for PCS. That service succeeded beyond our greatest expectations. Although during this period the Commission had yet to issue 2 GHz satellite licenses because of continuing international allocation issues, it had established certain technical operating parameters. As we came closer to a decision in these proceedings, it became increasingly clear that there would be interference issues between the PCS providers at 1930-1990 and satellite operators above 1990. The resulting interference may well have jeopardized the reliability and success of each service. Thus, although I highly value internationally harmonized operations, I determined that the ability of both services to operate reliably outweighed international concerns in this circumstance. Although I am disappointed that both interests could not be accommodated, I believe in the end stronger satellite and terrestrial services will result. The decisions we reach today are significant and complex. The Commission's talented staff deserves credit and recognition for the long hours and tireless efforts that culminated in these orders' adoption. Together their efforts will allow for more efficient utilization of the spectral resource, the development of innovative service offerings, and more diverse and competitive alternatives for consumers throughout the country. SEPARATE STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS Approving in Part, Dissenting in Part Re: Amendment of Part 2 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum Below 3 GHz for Mobile and Fixed Services to Support Introduction of New Advanced Wireless Services, including Third Generation Wireless Systems; ET Docket No. 00-258 The Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Mobile-Satellite Service in the 2 GHz Band; IB Docket No. 99-81(Adopted January 29, 2003) I write separately because I believe that the Commission should not abandon a substantial amount of rare globally harmonized satellite spectrum. In today's Order the Commission decides to reallocate 10 MHz of spectrum from mobile satellite services (MSS) to advanced wireless services (AWS). I fully support the goal of providing adequate spectrum to new terrestrial services, and would have provided exactly the same amount of spectrum for AWS. My preference, however, was to choose less problematic frequencies. The United States led the fight to win globally harmonized MSS spectrum in 1992. Soon thereafter, however, the Commission abandoned the plan to have a world-wide MSS band and allocated 10 MHz to PCS. This reduced by one-third the globally harmonized spectrum available to fledgling MSS operators, although it provided much-needed spectrum to PCS operators. This action engendered significant international disappointment and injured U.S. spectrum planning credibility. Now we reallocate 50 percent more of the remaining globally harmonized MSS spectrum to AWS, leaving MSS licensees with only a third of what was originally fought for by U.S. negotiators. This will raise costs of satellite design and construction, make trans-national interference coordination more difficult, especially where satellite and terrestrial licensees must coordinate, and may further erode U.S. credibility internationally when we next fight for harmonized spectrum. Maintaining MSS use of this spectrum certainly has costs. The majority believes that abandoning globally harmonized spectrum is necessary to reduce possible future interference. Reducing potential interference both to PCS and MSS is critically important. However, claims of potential interference were raised extremely late in this proceeding and the effect on interference of our decision is poorly understood, at best. If concerns about interference exist, we should confront them directly, seeking the efficient level of protections and a solution that doesn't do damage to our standing in the international community, if possible. For me, the values described above, and hard-won, globally harmonized spectrum, are just too valuable to walk away from. SEPARATE STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER JONATHAN S. ADELSTEIN Re: Amendment of Part 2 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum Below 3 GHz for Mobile and Fixed Services to Support Introduction of New Advanced Wireless Services, including Third Generation Wireless Systems; ET Docket No. 00-258 The Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Mobile-Satellite Service in the 2 GHz Band; IB Docket No. 99-81(Adopted January 29, 2003) My decision to support the shift of our domestic 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) allocation is not made lightly. I recognize the hard work of Commission staff and industry personnel at the 1992 World Administrative Radio Conference (and at subsequent conferences) in securing a global allocation of MSS spectrum in the 2 GHz band. However, over 10 years later, it now appears that our domestic economy and communications marketplace is better served by a shift in our country's 2 GHz MSS allocation. I believe that this shift will serve many purposes. It will help minimize the potential for harmful interference to the millions of Americans who use Personal Communications Services (PCS) phones in the 1930-1990 MHz band from ancillary terrestrial handsets operating in the MSS band. The explosive growth of PCS phones is unprecedented, and no one could have ever imagined the proliferation of commercial mobile radio services over the past several years. The shift also will help minimize the potential for harmful interference from PCS base station transmitters into the terrestrial base receivers that MSS licensees will begin deploying once they receive authority to provide ancillary terrestrial services. Finally, the shift allows us to consider the use of paired spectrum in the 1910-1920 and 1990-2000 MHz bands for expanded PCS services, for advanced wireless services, for unlicensed services, or as replacement spectrum for other services. I recognize that there may be a potential economic and engineering impact on certain 2 GHz MSS licensees as a result of our decision today. However, I am hopeful that those licensees seeking to serve global markets can work with our International Bureau so that they are able to use spectrum allocated for globally harmonized use. Similarly, I hope that regional or domestic systems in the 2 GHz MSS band will make frequency selections outside of the global allocation, but which still fall within the 2 GHz MSS spectrum that is harmonized with the rest of Region 2. Finally, I express my strong support for the efforts of our Commission staff in preparing for WRC-03 and future international conferences and meetings. I sincerely hope that our decision does not undermine the efforts of these dedicated professionals in their dealings and negotiations with members of the international communications community. It cannot be emphasized enough that today's decision is made at the Commission level based on circumstances no one could have predicted at the time the original 2 GHz MSS allocation was made. Archives at: <http://web.wireless.com/index.php?name=Mailing_List&fn=viewml&mid=4> Weblog at: <http://weblog.warpspeed.com>

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[ARRL-ODV:8340] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 31 Jan '03

31 Jan '03

IN-Newsletter Vol. 26, No. 4 January 28, 2003 Development The 2003 Defense Fund total has reached $280,000 from 6,300 donors. Returns continue to arrive in small batches. The Diamond Club participants now number 458, representing $71,000 in donations. The average contribution is more than $154. Acknowledgment letters and certificates for Defense contributions and Diamond Club contributions have been printed and mailed through December 31. Development was notified this week of a $250,000 trust, bringing the total number of estate commitments to 26. The Progress Report for the CNCS grant is in its final stages and will be submitted on the January 31 deadline. The QST ad, solicitation letter and web components for the 2003 Education & Technology Program campaign are in final stages. Sales & Marketing Wishing Advertising Supervisor Hanan Rayyashi, KB1AFX, best of luck in her future endeavors as she leaves ARRL. Some of the advertising clients Hanan has worked with over the years have joined us in passing along their good wishes, too. Sales for ARRL sportswear and associated apparel for the 4th quarter 2002 totaled nearly $25,000 (ARRL's commission, $5000). Sales continue to be strengthened by ongoing interest for ARES-related items. Dennis and Bob met with Dan Henderson to finalize planning for 2003 Field Day products. The opportunity was also used to develop a theme for this year's event. Bob shared the concepts with Sue Fagan who will begin designing new artwork. In 2002, the Field Day product line yielded $64,000 in gross sales ($52,000 in 2001). Mason & Geller, a full service direct marketing agency, will conduct a training program for ARRL staff on February 27. The session is being called "Direct Marketing Boot Camp," and will focus on direct marketing membership strategies through production and analysis. The Sales & Marketing team is hosting the activity, and has extended participation to a number of staff representing a variety of functions. Everyone is hopeful that the experience will help jump-start our recruitment expansion interests. More information will be circulated with attendees as it becomes available. Deb Jahnke handled some significant contact with advertisers as the March issue of QST went to press. Deb initiated contact with the new head buyer of Baker & Taylor, headquartered in New Jersey. The company has carried ARRL publications for some time. However, we've seen declining sales over the past several years. At their invitation, Deb will travel to the company sometime in late February, hoping to persuade B & T to pickup more titles, and in larger quantities. Media Relations Jennifer is completing an article on public relations for the April issue of QST, specifically focusing on ARRL's PICs and PIOs, and what these volunteers do. The article will also encourage more people to get involved with promoting ham radio in their communities. A story on the 2002 Leonard Award winner was written for use in QST and on the Web. A story on our new PR committee chairman and the 2003 committee was sent over to Rick for the Web. The winners of the Leonard Award have been notified, and the plaque is in the works. The ITVA public service announcement now titled "High-Tech World of Amateur Radio" is available. The formal announcement will be made this week. The PR reflector has been very active lately, and several new members have been added (upon their request) over the last week. We currently have more than 240 people on the reflector list. The first PR committee conference call has been scheduled for February 6. PRC Chairman Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, has polled the group about their preferences for regular calls throughout the year. Production/Editorial The March 2003 issue of QST has been released to the printer. We checked printer's proofs for a new printing of RF Exposure and You. Congratulations to Dan Wolfgang for completing the 2002 Periodicals CD project on schedule. Thanks to Sue Fagan for an excellent cover design. CDs should arrive by February 7. Our thanks to Shelly Bloom for working most of Saturday, January 25, to finish the ad pages for the March QST. Kudos to Rick Lindquist and Sue Fagan for their work during the ARRL Board meeting, particularly the effort involved in the Amateur Radio Today video. Membership Services Awards WAS QSL Cards Checked 650 WAS Certificates (150 QSLs F/C) 3 WAS Certificates (100 QSLs ES/C) 2 WAC QSLs 120 WAC Certs (162 QSLs ES/C) 27 5BWAC Certs (60 QSLs ES/C) 2 WAC Endorsements (6 QSLs ES/C) 1 Extra Class Certificates 17 Friendship Awards 10 RCC Awards 6 A-1 Op Nominations 1 Long-Term Member Inquiries 7 VUCC Initial Awards Mailed 5 HF/VHF Awards Manager appointments: John Dyer, AE5B, Cisco, TX and Dave Hough, W7GK, Elko, NV. For the coming week: VUCC, OTC, Code Proficiency, and A-1 Operator awards processing and mail out all awards processed this past week. DXCC Branch Weekly Report January 26, 2003 Beginning Cards 197,596 Cards Received 9,618 Cards Processed 17,270 Ending Cards 189,944 Applications Pending 1,648 Processing Time 17.0 Weeks Year-to-date (2003) Cards Received 28,223 Cards Returned 40,760 QRPs Issued this week 0 QRPs Total 271 Remaining September work: Applications 313 Cards 45,147 There are just a few September applications to be entered. These should be completed on Monday (1/27). In all, the numbers shown above for September represent the remaining mail waiting to go out the door and applications currently in the edit process and a couple of apps waiting to be entered. DXCC is currently mailing applications received on September 30, 2002. DXCC is currently entering cards received on September 30, 2002. Contests Data entry for Straight Key Night, 10-Meter paper logs and late orders for SS cups and pins continued. Final revisions of the 10 GHz and September VHF articles for QST and the Web were done. Work on the 2003 Field Day packet was done, to incorporate changes and revisions proposed from the Board meeting last week. Time was spent with Alan Cohen on a problem with the new certificate layouts that allowed the redesigned DX Contest certificates to be printed. They will be mailed the week of January 27. The newly designed June VHF plaques arrived and the 2001 plaques were shipped. QSL QSL Service Status: Current. Cards mailed as of 01/26/2003: 90,600. No cards were mailed this week. Heather Dzamba spent 4 hours conducting tours around HQ. W1AW Joe repaired the AFSK Generator. (This unit is used to generate the audio tones for the W1AW digital bulletins.) He upgraded the ARRL Audio News PC, and installed additional RFI suppression components to the system. He also processed regular QSL card requests. Scott worked on fast and slow code practice files for the month of February. He also handled some evening phone sales calls in the 5 PM to 8 PM time slot. W1AW Telephone Sales year to date (2003): $266. Field & Educational Services Rosalie prepared a proposal for a talk for the APCO annual public safety officials' conference. She took part in a meeting about the new CD on emergency communications, and in a meeting about federal grant reporting and travel options under the grant. She began working on action items from the Board Meeting. European ARISS volunteers note that the Italian Space Agency is talking about possible involvement in the next ARISS meeting. This new attitude came about after astronaut Robert Vittori, IZ6ERU, had an on-orbit QSO with Italian students. ARISS delegate Jorg Hahn, DL3LUM, requested a letter from Rosalie to assist in getting funds from the German aerospace company, DLR, for ARISS hardware projects. EmComm Grants Dan gathered data for a CNCS report, and prepared for his ARECC Seminar next week at the Jackson, MS Convention. For CNCS Level l courses, all January students have been processed and received access codes; 706 hams have already graduated. Dan assisted Dave Hassler with an ARRL Web story on emcomm hybrid classes. Field & Education Support Team Mary Lau completed the minutes of the ARRL Foundation Annual Meeting and updated other documents destined for the Foundation Board. The Foundation's first Bill Orr Technical Writing Award winner, Ian Poole, G3YWX, was featured in an ARRLWeb article written by Dave Hassler and Rick Lindquist. Margie Bourgoin reports that 11 new clubs have been added to our club database. Welcome packets have gone out, and certificates printed. She is now current with the monthly reports to clubs, and sent them an email reminder about the upcoming deadline for educational awards nominations. Linda Mullally registered 2 schoolteachers and 15 volunteer instructors. She updated 50 club records and 2 reactivations. She also sent out 2669 of the new Leap into Amateur Radio brochures this week. Gail Iannone sent 13 hamfest and 3 convention approval letters to the sponsoring committees confirming the Division Director's approval for the events to be ARRL-sanctioned; she also processed 14 door prize orders, 7 label requests, and sent 17 handout packages for upcoming events. Jean Wolfgang conducted an ARRL tour for 4 Webelos and their scout leaders. She shared ideas and information about utilizing ham radio in the scout program not only in Cub Scouts but also for Boy Scouts. She also participated in the educational portion of an ARISS teleconference. Field Organization/Public Service Team Steve Ewald reports 12 SM e-mail relays sent from 11 different sections this week. He's noticed while monitoring SM e-relays and Web Section News for members, and while corresponding with Field Leaders, that they are promoting the CCE courses. An example is this message to members by our Rhode Island SM: "The ARECC EmComm program continues with strong interest. Take advantage of these courses being offered for little or no cost. They're just one more service of the ARRL that illustrates the value of League membership that Bill WA1RI [ASM] and I have been pointing out to all clubs. Please tell your non member friends about these courses and get them signed up in the ARRL." Chuck Skolaut has been corresponding with participants of the ARRL Volunteer Monitoring program and updating records when necessary. He reviewed and forwarded to the FCC, documents on possible rule violations. One situation involving SSTV on 20 meters was assigned a case number for further investigation. Leona Adams handled 3 dozen Field Organization data entries and supply packages, and continues to receive SM election ballots. Three Section Manger petitions (for terms starting in July) were received: Dick Flanagan, W6OLD - Nevada; Russell J. Santos, K1TSV - New Hampshire; John Dyer, AE5B - West Texas. Regulatory Information John Hennessee assisted amateurs with local government zoning problems in Brookhaven, NY (N2BJL) and Palm Springs, CA (K8ZZO), and with a covenant concern in Scottsdale, AZ (K4EET). He has been in contact with amateurs in Washington state concerning Washington Senate Bill 5200, which is pending in Committee, and would strengthen their existing statute that codifies PRB-1, by establishing a minimum height of 70 feet. John coordinated with everyone involved on the timetable for The FCC Rule Book to go to the printer. Amateur Radio Education & Technology Project Jerry Hill called companies to get quotes on ham station equipment for the new Big Project schools. He also made revisions to the lesson plans, some based on teacher input, and some to make the material flow better. CCE Howard Robins has begun prep for beta-testing of the future V/UHF Beyond the Repeater course submitted by Steve Ford. Ian Poole has completed nearly half the lessons for the future Propagation course. Registration for the first RFI class opens Monday. Pre-registration reminder emails were sent to 9 people requesting these; 7 experienced mentors volunteered to mentor this course. Jon uploaded data into the CCE administration system, so pass dates can be listed for grant-funded grads; this helps us report required data to CNCS. Thanks go to Berta Hould and the Mailroom for shipping over 100 stipend checks. Registrations for non-funded courses are up about 100% over average months due in part to the QST ads. Jerry Ellis opened an Antenna Modeling course and a Level II course, and assigned mentors. He posted RFI and Satellite Communications registration, processed mentor stipend checks, and mailed CNCS certificates, ID cards and refund checks. He assisted with upgrading FAQs on field exams and on hybrid style classes, and with orienting qualified graduates as mentors, ensuring we have enough mentors available for upcoming technical classes. 73, Sincerely, Mark Wilson, K1RO Chief Operating Officer MW:lk Staff Absentee List Name Date(s) Reason Dave Sumner 1/29-211 Vacation Dan Miller 1/31-2/2 Mississippi State Convention Steve Ewald 1/31-2/2 Hurricane Conference, Miami Margie Bourgoin 1/24-2/3 Vacation Joel Kleinman 1/31, 2/3 Vacation Dan Henderson 2/7 Memphis, TN Convention Wayne Mills 2/12-2/14 Vacation

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[ARRL-ODV:8338] Re: Video on Closed Circuit
by W3KD＠aol.com 31 Jan '03

31 Jan '03

In a message dated 1/30/2003 7:48:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, K8JE(a)ARRL.org writes: > > > I’ve used enough bytes to try to make my point which can be summed up as: > The League most certainly has or retains copyright attorneys to help in the > publishing end of its business. Shouldn’t we put them to work to tell us > what can and what cannot be done without exposing us unreasonably to legal > action, and how to go about doing just this? Our task, subsequently, would > seem to be to act with due prudence by following the legal guidance of the > experts in this area of the law, and go about doing the job of promoting > Amateur Radio and ARRL. > > > > Jim, the situation is actually rather simple, and we are taking steps to fix this problem. Here is the problem: Yes, we have a new version of the video with appropriate copyright claims on it. Protecting ARRL's copyright is not the problem. Mark Wilson and the rest of the ARRL staff is very good at that, they have a regular procedure for claiming copyright on our publications in whatever format those publications appear. But we don't have: (1) releases from Walter Cronkite; (2) releases from anyone else who appears in the video; (3) releases from anyone who may own video segments, for example, the world trade center on fire, used in the video; or (4) a written release from Dave Bell, the producer, delineating what rights ARRL has. We also have Walter Cronkite's lawyer threatening to sue Glenn Baxter for distributing the video, perhaps in modified form, and making unauthorized use of Walter Cronkite's persona. We have, in hand right now, no more right than Baxter does to distribute Walter Cronkite's image and voice. In an effort to clarify the situation, Dave Bell, in my view, unintentionally muddied the waters further. He doesn't want any broadcast use of the video. That is clear and everyone understands it. But he also claims that ARRL's rights in the video are "severely limited" without explaining what those limitations are. He is in a position to determine them, and we will have to abide by that determination. But what does it mean? He is willing to have us put the video on closed circuit TV, but not on microwave, point to point feeds which, by law, can't be intercepted by third parties. That is more restrictive a presentation means than web distribution. So, our web distribution rights are unclear. All we need to do is get Bell's clarification of the distribution limitations, which we are doing. The Board is free to obtain a legal opinion from an IP lawyer, but this isn't rocket science, frankly. It is a matter of getting clearance from those who have the authority to provide it. We are doing that now. 73, Chris W3KD

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[ARRL-ODV:8337] HDSCS on The Discovery Channel
by Tuck Miller NZ6T ARRL SWD Vice Director 31 Jan '03

31 Jan '03

The Board of Director's awarded the National Certificate of Merit to Hospital Disaster Support Communications System (HDSCS) based out of Orange County, Ca. during our recent Board meeting. They will be featured on a Discovery Channel program on 20 Feb. This was sent out by Joe Moell K0OV our ARDF Liaison HDSCS Participates in New TV Documentary Members of the Hospital Disaster Support Communications System (HDSCS) of Orange County, California have been included in tapings for a new documentary series on the Discovery Channel. "Critical Rescue," a series of hour-long programs featuring rescue workers and those who support them saving lives in large and small disasters, makes its debut in February 2003. Episode 2, titled "Fateful Journey," recounts the true story of a morning of emergency response training in Southern California that turns into a day of real tragedies and rescues when two trains collide. "Fateful Journey" is scheduled for its first broadcast in prime time on 20 February. A team from New Dominion Pictures, an independent production company under contract to Discovery Networks, spent a half-day with HDSCS last August. They interviewed founder and leader April Moell WA6OPS and taped reenactments of communications that took place during the HDSCS emergency net of April 23, 2002. On that day, HDSCS members were awaiting their assignments for one of the four large-scale disaster drills that are staged in Orange County each year to test procedures for victim triage, dispatch, and communications. At 8:10 AM, a 6000-ton mile-long freight train struck a standing Metrolink double-decker commuter train at a crossing in Placentia, causing three deaths and over 200 injuries. The drill was immediately cancelled, and as fire and police rescuers converged on the train crash scene, area hospitals braced for the wounded passengers. As Net Control, WA6OPS quickly deployed HDSCS members to the 14 hospitals most likely to receive victims. There they handled countless messages, verifying victim dispatch and patient counts, locating victims prior to completion of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) database, providing hospitals with information for inquiring victim families, and communicating with Amateur Radio operators supporting the Red Cross. Within some hospitals, HDSCS provided direct links to handle messages between triage areas, Emergency Departments, and Command Posts. A total of 28 HDSCS members participated in this drill-turned-disaster, after which they received individual recognition from the hospitals and from Orange County Emergency Medical Services Agency. Additional HDSCS operators videotaped or audiotaped for possible use in the Discovery program were Sam Creason K6EW, Cheryl Simpson KD6MWZ, Ralph Swanson WB6JBI, and David Mofford W7KTS. On other days, the producers taped reenactments of victim triage, treatment and transport at the Placentia crash site and at least two hospitals. It is not known how much of the HDSCS footage will appear in the edited program. HDSCS is a specialty group of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). It was formed in 1979 with the specific mission of providing backup communications that are critical to patient care. Since then, HDSCS has responded following 75 communications emergencies ranging from hospital telephone system failures to area-wide disasters such as the Laguna Firestorm, Anaheim flood and Whittier earthquake. Regular drills with the hospitals are important for preparedness, and HDSCS has activated for 123 of them to date. For its 23 years of service, HDSCS has received awards and commendations from many hospitals and agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The most recent is the National Certificate of Merit from the American Radio Relay League, awarded at ARRL's Board of Directors meeting on January 17, 2003. Scheduled airings of "Fateful Journey" are at 8 PM and 11 PM on February 20, and at 2 PM on February 22 (Eastern and Pacific). The Discovery Channel is one of the two most widely distributed cable networks in the United States, with over 85 million subscribers, and is the most widely distributed television brand in the world, reaching over 400 million households in 155 countries. New Dominion Pictures, headquartered in Suffolk, Virginia, produces four of Discovery Channel's five highest-rated series. One of these, "The New Detectives," is rated as the most popular series on all of cable TV in America. More information about HDSCS can be found at www.hdscs.org Joe Moell K0OV Assistant EC, HDSCS -- ************************************************ ARRL The national association for Amateur Radio Remember, Helping Others....Always Worthwhile!! Southwestern Division Vice Director Are you a member yet? If not, please join! Personal Web Page: http://www.qsl.net/nz6t

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[ARRL-ODV:8336] Re: Video on Closed Circuit
by Jim Weaver 31 Jan '03

31 Jan '03

Read the following with the implied caveat that I have never been involved in copyright law, please. I have to question the premise that we are as bad off (if not worse off) as ever regarding the distribution and use of the video. I also have to question the premise we'd better not put it back up on the web site for others to view or even to down load. I'm ready to be educated, though, so feel free to shoot away at the following beliefs that I hold dear and true. 1. My expectation is that the soon-to-appear, fine-tuned version of the video will have the ARRL copyright labeling placed physically as well as electronically on it and on any media used to promote it. If we haven't already planned to do so, I suggest we follow the leads of MLB and pro football and use a "This video is supplied solely for the . . . noncommercial use and showing on noncommercial, non-broadcast . . . "outlets (provided this remains necessary) statement to accompany the copyright notice. If something of this sort provides legal protection to baseball and football broadcasts, a relevant variation ought to protect ARRL and the video. 2. We can never prevent some idiot or idiots from misusing and abusing items/intellectual property of others, but the use of due notice consistent with proper diligence ought to protect adequately against their malicious actions. Specifically, a. if an ARRL antagonist misuses a video we distribute that has been duly identified as being copyrighted, we ought to be able to take meaningful legal action against him, and b. if someone distributes the video (which contains property copyrighted by composers, broadcast stations, etc.) in clear violation of the ARRL copyright and notices "we" placed on the video, the League should be expected to be held harmless. 3. Can the League and others associated with it be sued because someone abused (against our instructions) copyrighted material? Certainly. But, as we all know, I can sue most anyone, most anytime, for most anything. (I clearly was offended and suffered irreparable harm at the Board meeting by N2FF sitting immediately around the corner of the table from me and exposing me to his upper respiratory virus. Sorry Frank!) I've used enough bytes to try to make my point which can be summed up as: The League most certainly has or retains copyright attorneys to help in the publishing end of its business. Shouldn't we put them to work to tell us what can and what cannot be done without exposing us unreasonably to legal action, and how to go about doing just this? Our task, subsequently, would seem to be to act with due prudence by following the legal guidance of the experts in this area of the law, and go about doing the job of promoting Amateur Radio and ARRL. For what, if anything, it is worth. 73, Jim, K8JE (PS: In spite of my excessive use of them, I still have a few excessively-long run-on sentences left over. I will gladly sell these if anyone needs them.) Jim Weaver k8je(a)arrl.org

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[ARRL-ODV:8335] FYI, a new rulemaking Petition, RM-10641
by W3KD＠aol.com 30 Jan '03

30 Jan '03

Mr. Dale Reich of Seville, Ohio has struck again. This time, he has petitioned the FCC to require all over the counter sales of communications equipment to be subject to a written record of name, address, phone number and "any future information" (?) when selling a radio that requires licensing. However, he wants to apply this to unlicensed devices as well. It would include Part 90, 95 and 97. In a separate document, which the Commission seems to have lumped together, he asks that Part 5, 15, 18, 74, 80, 90, 95 and 97 equipment be tagged with ownership information, including callsign, owner name and address, and any file number. The petition(s) was (were) filed November 26, 2002; they were afforded file number RM-10641, and placed on public notice January 29, 2003. Comments are due at FCC February 28, 2003. Chris

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[ARRL-ODV:8334] Re: Video on Closed Circuit
by sysop＠bfdin.com 30 Jan '03

30 Jan '03

AR>> AR>> Do we have a written agreement that specifies what we can and what we AR>> can't use this video for? AR>> AR>> AR>Sadly, Bill, NO we don't. Aye, there's the rub. AR>Chris We just don't learn, do we? - Bill

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[ARRL-ODV:8332] Re: Video on Closed Circuit
by W3KD＠aol.com 30 Jan '03

30 Jan '03

In a message dated 1/30/2003 8:47:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, sysop(a)bfdin.com writes: > > Do we have a written agreement that specifies what we can and what we > can't use this video for? > > Sadly, Bill, NO we don't. Aye, there's the rub. Chris

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[ARRL-ODV:8331] Re: Video on Closed Circuit
by sysop＠bfdin.com 30 Jan '03

30 Jan '03

AR>This poses far more questions than it answers. If the distribution is as AR>limited as Bell says, then we can't put it up on our web site again. The AR>"severely limited" reference that "everybody should know" is not at all AR>clear. I have no idea what we can do with this and what we can't now, but AR>based on this, and based on the fact that we don't have any written releases AR>from anyone at all, I suggest that we not put the video back up on the web AR>site, because at that point, there is a possibility that others will see it AR>and use it. AR>Chris Do we have a written agreement that specifies what we can and what we can't use this video for? - Bill

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