"32. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Norton, it was VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors establishes an ad hoc study committee to review Part 97 of the rules governing the Amateur Radio Service to ascertain what rule change(s) would be beneficial to promote wideband digital modes while at the same time minimizing potential interference to narrowband modes."

I've delayed appointing this committee for a couple of reasons. First, we just recently went through an evolution that would have done this very thing......regulation by bandwidth. Minute 32 didn't go unnoticed by those that opposed it, and I received a number of emails suggesting it was an end around attempt to reintroduce regulation by bandwidth and, of course, at the same time attempt to eliminate the use of AM on the ham bands!

I also received recommendations from a couple of directors for radio amateurs in their division that were "digital" experts that they felt should be appointed to this committee.

If I appoint only digital people to this committee then the anti regulation by bandwidth crowd will cry foul. If I appoint various non-board people from all aspects of ham radio to this committee representing all sides nothing will be accomplished due to the severe hatred that exists between some of these groups. If I appoint directors or vice directors to this committee we will be accused of not soliciting input from the amateur community and it may place some of you in an uncomfortable position within your division.

Therefore, after consultation with the Vice Presidents and the Executive Committee, the ad-hoc committee is appointed as follows:

We will review where are post "regulation by bandwidth proposal", and follow the directive of the motion adopted by the board and provide a recommendation back to the board on our conclusions in accordance with the motion.