Here is the symbol rate FAQ that I propose to post in accordance with Minute 51 of the January Board Meeting. Suggestions for additions and clarifications are welcome.

I want to acknowledge Brennan Price’s considerable contribution to the FAQ, without which it would not yet be ready for your perusal. Both of us had to overcome our usual inclination to go into great detail when just a simple explanation is called for.

73,

Dave Sumner, K1ZZ

Frequently Asked Questions about the ARRL “Symbol Rate” petition, RM-11708

Q: Why did the ARRL think the petition to eliminate regulation by symbol rate was needed?

A: HF data emissions are now limited to symbol rates that are based on the long-obsolete technology of the early telephone modems. Regulation by symbol rate is not appropriate for present and future generations of digital data modes; it prohibits the use of some new, efficient modes while not preventing the introduction of digital data modes with much wider bandwidths than are now in use.

Q: The petition proposes to substitute a bandwidth limit of 2.8 kHz for the symbol rate limits – why 2.8 kHz and not some other figure?

A: It accommodates the digital data modes that are now in widespread use while limiting future development to the bandwidth of an SSB transceiver.

Q: Would the proposed revision have any effect on phone or image operation?

A: No.  There is no proposal to revise any rule applicable to the phone and image subbands.

Q: Would the proposed revision have any effect on digital voice operation?

A: No.  The FCC rules define digital voice as phone.

Q: Does the proposed revision permit wider use of automatically controlled digital stations?

A: No.  Section 97.221 would remain unchanged.

Q: Does the proposal expand the frequencies on which unspecified digital codes may be used?

A: No, although an error in the original ARRL filing suggested otherwise. As soon as it was discovered, this was corrected through the filing of an erratum.

Q: Is the proposal a precursor to large-scale regulation by bandwidth?

A: No. The proposal is to regulate the bandwidth of a single type of emission (data) in order to narrowly and surgically eliminate an outdated limitation in the FCC rules which precludes radio amateurs from experimenting and contributing to the radio art as fully as they should.

Posted February xx, 2014