2 DEC, 2002 - 1730 CST Simply stated, I think the ARRL should not recognize DXCC credits (QSLs) generated by DXpeditions where licensed amateur radio operators are illegally operating on non-amateur frequency bands. In a perfect world, amateurs would not even allow freeband operators to accompany them on DXpeditions. However, enforcing this rule/policy will be difficult for the following reasons: 1. 11/10 Meter freebanders are sometimes included on DXpeditions in order to gain needed financial and logistical support. If these people were not allowed to join and operate, there might be fewer DXpeditions. 2. Freeband operation is apparently legal in some countries of the world either by specific regulation, or (most likely) the absence of same. Determining this legality could be very difficult in many cases. 3. Depending on how a DXpedition is organized, funded, and documented, it will sometimes be very difficult to determine if licensed amateurs operated illegally. 4. The ARRL has the right to administer it's DXCC program as it sees fit, regardless of the how non-members (both domestic and foreign) think it should be run. However, rules and/or policies suppressing or prohibiting freeband operations on amateur radio DXpeditions will anger some people and this could have a few negative international repercussions. Of course, I would also expect positive international effects to flow from ARRL action on this issue. 5. Some freebanders eventually become hams. Would our explicit opposition to their joining amateur radio DXpeditions turn them away from becoming legal DXers? 6. Sunspot decline will reduce freeband DXing opportunities, but it will not go away. Perhaps we should ask the DXAC to draft a policy or rules that will clarify the ARRL's stance on this issue with regards to DXCC credits? Are there other factors that I have not listed? Please add your thoughts to mine. Perhaps discourse here will reduce the length of the discussion at our January board meeting? 73 - Dick, W9GIG