February 2006 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:13798] FW: [IP] Lawmakers Move to Make FCC Allow Broader Wireless Net
by Gary Johnston 25 Feb '06

25 Feb '06

Oh, great. :-( (de KI4LA) -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Lawmakers Move to Make FCC Allow Broader Wireless Net Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2006 16:30:34 -0500 From: Randall <rvh40(a)insightbb.com> To: Dave <dave(a)farber.net>, Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne(a)warpspeed.com>, cyberia <CYBERIA-L(a)LISTSERV.AOL.COM> http://htdaw.blogsource.com/post.mhtml?post_id=257883 Lawmakers Move to Make FCC Allow Broader Wireless Net Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 4:27 PM EST Lawmakers Move to Make FCC Allow Broader Wireless Net by Catherine Komp Feb. 22 Typically costing $30-50 a month, high speed internet access remains out of financial reach for many people in the US. But advocates for more affordable Internet access hope that new legislation will eventually lead to lower prices. Hailed by consumer advocates and progressive media activists, the Wireless Innovation (Winn) Act of 2006 would open up additional public spectrum for wireless Internet use. The Winn Act, introduced by Senator George Allen (R-Virginia), would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release unused or unassigned parts of the broadcast spectrum, also known as "white spaces," for wireless computer networking use. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-California), John Sununu (R-New Hampshire) and John Kerry (D-Massachusetts). A similar bill, the American Broadband for Communities Act, was also introduced last week by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Arkansas). "Instead of just talking about it, we need to make affordable broadband a reality everywhere," Kerry said in a statement. The Winn Act would require the FCC to permit unlicensed use of unassigned broadcast spectrum between 54MHz and 698 MHz within 180 days of enactment. This part of the spectrum is generally used by television broadcasters, and the unused portions between TV channels broadcasting in a given area is known as "white space." Supporters of the bills say that liberating "white spaces" which constitute half or more of the spectrum in many places will decrease the number of antennas needed to cover an area, potentially reducing costs even while providing faster data-transmission speeds. According to the media-focused activist organization Free Press, the 108 Mhz part of the spectrum is key in expanding wireless internet service to rural areas because it allows signals to penetrate obstacles, like walls and mountains, and to move long distances. Consumer groups also praise the legislation, saying that too many people have little or no choice in high-speed providers or have been left without access altogether. They believe the bill will advance more competition in a market that is mainly controlled by telephone and cable giants. "Without broadband Internet access and other wireless services, Americans in rural and underserved urban areas will continue to be stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide," wrote Jeannie Kelley of the Consumers Union and Ben Scott of Free Press in a letter to Senator Allen. Though the bills have many supporters, some broadcasting organizations are staunchly opposed and have argued that studies looking at possible interference issues have not been conclusive. In testimony before the FCC, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) said that unlicensed use of the spectrum will cause "harmful interference" to TV broadcasters. But critics respond that this is a tactic to "warehouse" spectrum that TV broadcasters will later claim for their own use. They note that the NAB led the fight to prevent low-power radio stations from gaining access to unused spectrum on the FM band, using the same claim about terrible interference. The NAB then helped to develop digital radio technology that allowed FM broadcasters to double their spectrum capacity. Wireless broadband allows Internet service providers to set up relatively inexpensive "nodes" that can each communicate through the air with dozens of computers at once all without the costly infrastructure associated with cable and telephone networks. Whether or not this federal initiative is successful, a growing number of cities are taking their own steps to establish municipal wireless systems, often waging difficult battles with telecommunications companies determined to maintain control over broadband connections. Philadelphia is the furthest along in its efforts to offer discounted wireless Internet access to anyone living in or visiting the city, sealing a deal with Earthlink last year to provide service over a 135-square mile area. San Francisco; Chicago; Houston, Suffolk County, NY; Dayton, Ohio and others have also announced plans to establish citywide wireless initiatives. And after the destruction of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the city of New Orleans was the first in the US to set up free wireless, owned and operated by the city. Currently, it is only available in limited neighborhoods, but Mayor Ray Nagin expects it to reach the entire city in a year. © 2006 The NewStandard. All rights reserved. The NewStandard is a non-profit publisher that encourages noncommercial reproduction of its content. Reprints must prominently attribute the author and The NewStandard, hyperlink to http://newstandardnews.net (online) or display newstandardnews.net (print), and carry this notice. For more information or commercial reprint rights, please see the TNS reprint policy. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/2844 --

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Re: FCC's Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks
by Henry R. Leggette 24 Feb '06

24 Feb '06

Joel, Do you need me to go to Jackson for the meeting? If so, let me know asap. Henry - WD4Q ----- Original Message ----- From: Joel Harrison To: arrl-odv Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 2:04 PM Subject: FCC's Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks You will recall I previously told you ARRL is providing a written report to the FCC's Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks. We also requested to be able to provide an oral presentation as well. Today, we have been advised by the Panel that they have extended an invitation for ARRL to give an oral presentation at the Panel's next meeting on March 6-7, 2006, in Jackson, MS. As I also mentioned previously, we will be sending Alabama SM Greg Sarratt. He has been scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, March 7, 2006. 73 Joel W5ZN

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[arrl-odv:13796] FW: March QST delivery delays
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 24 Feb '06

24 Feb '06

Hi, Here is some information from Bob Inderbitzen that you might find helpful if you are asked about late QST delivery this month. We are also posting this information on the web site and our customer service personnel also aware of the situation. 73, Harold Bob's message: If you are inquiring about MARCH QST delivery, please note that we are aware of widespread delays. The issue was mailed 4 to 5 days later than typical in order to meet the scheduling requirements of our printer. Winter weather and the Presidents' Day Holiday (no mail delivery on Feb 20) may also be contributing to additional delivery delays. We expect most domestic (US) members to receive their copies between now and early next week, Feb 27. Requests for replacements will be honored beginning Tuesday, Feb 28.

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FCC's Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks
by Joel Harrison 24 Feb '06

24 Feb '06

You will recall I previously told you ARRL is providing a written report to the FCC's Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks. We also requested to be able to provide an oral presentation as well. Today, we have been advised by the Panel that they have extended an invitation for ARRL to give an oral presentation at the Panel's next meeting on March 6-7, 2006, in Jackson, MS. As I also mentioned previously, we will be sending Alabama SM Greg Sarratt. He has been scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, March 7, 2006. 73 Joel W5ZN

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[arrl-odv:13794] Re: Belt Buckle
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 24 Feb '06

24 Feb '06

Jay et al, Since we had the "belt buckle" thread of discussion, I have been asking questions and looking further into this issue. I am not sure if I have all the answers yet. Evidently, we do not have a very formal process on this issue of product licensing, which is very complex. For example, we have allowed the use of our logo on thousands of QSL cards and web sites for many years. You are correct that our trademarks, logos, etc. are our valuable intellectual property. I learned that lesson during my days in Public Broadcasting. I will move this up on my list of priorities but it make take me a month or so to get a handle on the situation and formulate some specific recommendations. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. We do need to deal with this in a more business like manner. 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio 860 594 0220 <http://www.arrl.org/> ________________________________ From: John Bellows [mailto:jbellows@skypoint.com] Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 9:48 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:13793] Re: Belt Buckle Harold: The belt buckle discussion raises some interesting and important policy questions. I expect we all agree that along with the reputation of ARRL, the ARRL trademarks, Logos, service marks are among our most valuable assets. That being the case I was wondering: 1. Do we have a policy or criteria as to what we will license and to whom we will grant licenses; and 2. Does that policy specify limits on the licensee's use of our intellectual property? Thanks. Jay, KØQB -----Original Message----- From: John Bellows [mailto:jbellows@skypoint.com] Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 2:08 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:13780] Re: Belt Buckle Hi Harold: Is there a list of the individuals or entities that are party to marketing agreements authorizing the use of ARRL logos? If there is such a list would it be possible for members of the Board to get a copy in order to see the items covered by each agreement and the nature and scope of ARRL licensing arrangements? Jay, KØQB -----Original Message----- From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B [mailto:wj1b@arrl.org] Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 1:55 PM To: arrl-odv Cc: Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: [arrl-odv:13779] Belt Buckle Hi, Re: Belt Buckle Let's see if I can clear up some of this confusion. We have a joint marketing agreement with ItsURCall.com. The firm will produce and market belt buckles with designs that include ARRL logos (such as the ARES logo), and ARRL will help cross-promote and market the product. Bob Inderbitzen and I worked out the deal a few months ago. The belt buckles actually look pretty sharp in person. You will be seeing further promotion of their products in QST and other ARRL publications per our agreement with them. This appeal from ItsURCall.com for additional attention from among the Field Organization should be interpreted as a strictly voluntary. Reading the emails on this topic, I wasn't entirely clear how the SM's received the email for ItsURCall. However, we do not have to give them permission to mail to the SM's. SM's email addresses are listed every month in QST and are on our web site, so anyone with the time and desire can obtain the mailing list. Bob will speak to them about "fine tuning" the language and sales techniques and specifically not referencing our agreement in future communications so as to avoid any further confusion 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 860 594 0220 www.arrl.org/

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[arrl-odv:13793] Re: Belt Buckle
by John Bellows 24 Feb '06

24 Feb '06

Harold: The belt buckle discussion raises some interesting and important policy questions. I expect we all agree that along with the reputation of ARRL, the ARRL trademarks, Logos, service marks are among our most valuable assets. That being the case I was wondering: 1. Do we have a policy or criteria as to what we will license and to whom we will grant licenses; and 2. Does that policy specify limits on the licensees use of our intellectual property? Thanks. Jay, KØQB -----Original Message----- From: John Bellows [mailto:jbellows@skypoint.com] Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 2:08 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:13780] Re: Belt Buckle Hi Harold: Is there a list of the individuals or entities that are party to marketing agreements authorizing the use of ARRL logos? If there is such a list would it be possible for members of the Board to get a copy in order to see the items covered by each agreement and the nature and scope of ARRL licensing arrangements? Jay, KØQB -----Original Message----- From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B [mailto:wj1b@arrl.org] Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 1:55 PM To: arrl-odv Cc: Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: [arrl-odv:13779] Belt Buckle Hi, Re: Belt Buckle Lets see if I can clear up some of this confusion. We have a joint marketing agreement with ItsURCall.com. The firm will produce and market belt buckles with designs that include ARRL logos (such as the ARES logo), and ARRL will help cross-promote and market the product. Bob Inderbitzen and I worked out the deal a few months ago. The belt buckles actually look pretty sharp in person. You will be seeing further promotion of their products in QST and other ARRL publications per our agreement with them. This appeal from ItsURCall.com for additional attention from among the Field Organization should be interpreted as a strictly voluntary. Reading the emails on this topic, I wasnt entirely clear how the SMs received the email for ItsURCall. However, we do not have to give them permission to mail to the SMs. SMs email addresses are listed every month in QST and are on our web site, so anyone with the time and desire can obtain the mailing list. Bob will speak to them about fine tuning the language and sales techniques and specifically not referencing our agreement in future communications so as to avoid any further confusion 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 860 594 0220 www.arrl.org/

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[arrl-odv:13792] Re: FW: Wall Calendar
by Henry R. Leggette 24 Feb '06

24 Feb '06

Hi Harold, Sound like a great tool! 73, Henry - WD4Q ----- Original Message ----- From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B To: arrl-odv Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 7:11 AM Subject: [arrl-odv:13791] FW: Wall Calendar Hi, I sent this email to all HQ staff a few days ago and I thought that all of you might want to know about this so that you are not surprised the next time you visit us here. 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio 860 594 0220 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 2:53 PM To: HQ Staff Subject: Wall Calendar Hi, As you have undoubtedly observed, we have a new wall mounted scheduling calendar mounted in the corridor near MSD. The purpose of this calendar is to let us know when the many programs and services that we offer occur. These include ARRL Contests, Conventions, Teacher's Institutes, Board Meetings, etc. We will also be posting organization wide events. We will be filling up this calendar within the next few weeks. If you have any items or events that you would like listed, please contact either Lisa Kustosik or Gail Iannone. They are the designated calendar coordinators and the official calendar "posters." Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 860 594 0220 www.arrl.org/

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[arrl-odv:13791] FW: Wall Calendar
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 24 Feb '06

24 Feb '06

Hi, I sent this email to all HQ staff a few days ago and I thought that all of you might want to know about this so that you are not surprised the next time you visit us here. 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio 860 594 0220 <http://www.arrl.org/> ________________________________ From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 2:53 PM To: HQ Staff Subject: Wall Calendar Hi, As you have undoubtedly observed, we have a new wall mounted scheduling calendar mounted in the corridor near MSD. The purpose of this calendar is to let us know when the many programs and services that we offer occur. These include ARRL Contests, Conventions, Teacher's Institutes, Board Meetings, etc. We will also be posting organization wide events. We will be filling up this calendar within the next few weeks. If you have any items or events that you would like listed, please contact either Lisa Kustosik or Gail Iannone. They are the designated calendar coordinators and the official calendar "posters." Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 860 594 0220 www.arrl.org/

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[arrl-odv:13790] Re: Committee Update - 8 Ball Removed
by Joel Harrison 24 Feb '06

24 Feb '06

Wow...that is scary.....I'm going to bed and pull the covers over my head....after I walk on a few more northeast guys on 80 meters wrking EU and AF! 73 Joel W5ZN -----Original Message----- From: Jim Weaver, K8JE [mailto:k8je@arrl.org] Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 9:18 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:13788] Re: Committee Update - 8 Ball Removed Joel, Thanks for the input. You have met my very hope when populating the Committee. This ought to be scary for you. You and I seem to think reasonably well along similar lines. Jim Weaver, K8JE Director, ARRL Great Lakes Division Chairman, ARRL Legislative Action Committee 5065 Bethany Rd., Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.org; Tel: 513-459-0142 ARRL, the Reason Amateur Radio is! Members, the Reason ARRL is!

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[arrl-odv:13788] Re: Committee Update - 8 Ball Removed
by Jim Weaver, K8JE 24 Feb '06

24 Feb '06

Joel, Thanks for the input. You have met my very hope when populating the Committee. This ought to be scary for you. You and I seem to think reasonably well along similar lines. Jim Weaver, K8JE Director, ARRL Great Lakes Division Chairman, ARRL Legislative Action Committee 5065 Bethany Rd., Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.org; Tel: 513-459-0142 ARRL, the Reason Amateur Radio is! Members, the Reason ARRL is! -----Original Message----- From: Joel Harrison [mailto:w5zn@arrl.org] Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 9:43 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:13787] Re: Committee Update - 8 Ball Removed Jim, The committee is set, I'm just waiting to hear back from everyone that was "selected" as to their willingness to serve. Kay, Rick, Dave Patton, and I made the selection. I'm not sure what your people define as "upper manager, desk-level folks". I don't consider myself in that category by ANY means when it comes to amateur radio and Kay, who will chair the committee, is buried pretty darn deep in daily emergency communications activities on the air and so is her husband, Carter. HOWEVER, I can tell you that the people that were selected include an excellent mix from around the entire country of SEC's, SM's, Vice Directors, and a couple of regular dudes and dudettes we found wandering around the gulf coast disaster areas. I think everyone will be pleased. If they're not, the Board's charge will be completed anyway and they will be pleased later when they see the output product! 73 Joel W5ZN -----Original Message----- From: Jim Weaver, K8JE [mailto:k8je@arrl.org] Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 5:28 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:13785] Re: Committee Update - 8 Ball Removed Joel, My only comment is that I encourage you to appoint some folks at the ARES working level who've had experience in managing at least one major disaster (Katrina?). I've already had a couple of folks approach me with the presumption the committee will consist only of upper manager, desk-level folks who don't know what it is like in the trenches. Jim Weaver, K8JE Director, ARRL Great Lakes Division Chairman, ARRL Legislative Action Committee 5065 Bethany Rd., Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.org; Tel: 513-459-0142 ARRL, the Reason Amateur Radio is! Members, the Reason ARRL is! -----Original Message----- From: Joel Harrison [mailto:w5zn@arrl.org] Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 4:56 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:13784] Committee Update - 8 Ball Removed Having maneuvered sufficient to remove the 8 Ball from being in front of me, I am working to put the finishing touches on the Ad-Hoc ARRL National Emergency Response Planning Committee and VUAC this weekend. I'm waiting to hear back from a few concerning their desire to serve then we'll be off and running. That will leave the VHF/UHF/Microwave Bandplanning Committee that has been hanging for so long it is almost dead, but with a couple of jolts from the HV paddles we'll get it revived and going shortly after the other are completed. 73 Joel W5ZN

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