All too often we allow events to overtake us. We, and most Amateurs, knew that Morse proficiency would be eliminated as an international treaty requirement by WRC03. True, common wisdom was it would take a year or so to implement. The only change that has occurred is that FCC will be addressing the issue sooner rather than later.

My suspicion is that most Board members have been discussing the elimination of A.25 as treaty requirement with members for some time. In my experience that discussion is immediately followed by “What will FCC do once that happens?” Admittedly I haven’t kept a running count, but the vast majority of comments seem to be either an enthusiastic or a resigned belief that the domestic Morse requirement will be eliminated. The main concern I hear expressed is not over the elimination of the Morse requirement but over retention on a significant Morse sub-band.

Irrespective of Amateur opinion, the current mindset, track record and expressed philosophy of FCC, Chairman Powell and the Commissioners should provide some indication of their pre-disposition to eliminate any regulation not deemed absolutely necessary (and even a few that are). FCC has already declined to keep track of Morse CSCE’s for Technicians with HF privileges. There is little reason to think they have any interest in keeping any record or mandating any requirement in the Amateur Service that is not absolutely required.

Until the question comes before the Board I’ll continue seek member opinion on this question. I’ll also ask if given the choice we should spend limited resources on this question or on Frequency preservation issues.

73,

Jay, K0QB

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