What prompted this was that the FCC was being asked to issue Emergency Communications Declarations in advance of there being a communications emergency. This put amateur radio in a bad light because it implied that we weren't able even to prepare for an upcoming emergency without getting protection from casual QRM. We knew there was something in the works to address this although I was not privy to the detailed policy statement. Despite what the policy says, I believe that if the need arose the FCC would issue an ECD for one or more HF frequencies other than in the 60 meter band. We also have the option of publicizing the use of particular frequencies ourselves, with a reminder to amateurs about 97.101(c). Dave K1ZZ -----Original Message----- From: Frenaye, Tom (Dir, NE) Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 1:49 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [ARRL-ODV:11086] Re: FCC policy on Emergency Communications Declarations At 12:49 PM 8/13/2004, K1ZZ wrote:

Just in time for Hurricane Charley, the FCC has issued a clarification of its policy on Emergency Communications Declarations in the Amateur Radio Service. See attached. We're distributing the policy to SMs and posting a story about it on the Web.

Was there any consultation between the FCC and ARRL on this new policy? I'm not impressed with the results. -- Tom ===== e-mail: k1ki@arrl.org ARRL New England Division Director http://www.arrl.org/ Tom Frenaye, K1KI, P O Box J, West Suffield CT 06093 Phone: 860-668-5444