Chris, What seems to have been overlooked here is the original reason for the proposal - the arrival of more new and wider digital signals on the band. This is probably going to increase as we go forward. That problem is an HF one rather than VHF and above. As there is currently no limit on digital bandwidth except for the "unattended automatic station" in Part 97, we face the potential problem of someone coming up with a wiz bang digital application that catches on and then we have them plunking down in the digital portions of our HF bands or moving lower in the bands. As some of us are aware EU stations have more freedom in this area than we do. It is entirely possible for them to set up shop on what US stations now consider their CW turf. That being said, bandwidth regulation at VHF is not going to accomplish much and it sure will not be controversial. Bandwidth regulation at HF is controversial mainly because most of our operators there do not understand the issue or the threat which digital innovation holds for them. They have for years been worried about SSB taking over. Well, sound cards and computers have changed all that. It's going to be an interesting meeting. Perhaps we can also talk about Red Cross MOUs. 73 de Frank....N2FF...... w3kd@aol.com wrote:
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL; DIRECTORS, VICE DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS ONLY
Greetings. I have just received a call from Bill Cross at FCC, who I am convinced is trying in this instance to be helpful to us. He asked if the Board planned to address the Regulation by Bandwidth Petition at this upcoming meeting. I told him that I would report to the Board on the subject of our pending petition, but that it was not an item that is specifically slated for Board consideration. I asked him what news he had about it.