31 JUL 2011 - 2350 CDT Since Dave Sumner has made reference to my direct reply to Dick Norton's inquiry made on the ODV reflector, I am posting a copy of it here so that all of you can read my response. 73 - Dick, W9GIG ========================================================================= 30 JUL 2011 - 1512 CDT Hello Dick... The National Frequency Coordination Office (NFCO) was created in 1986 when the then new National Frequency Coordination Council (NFCC) executed an MOU with the the ARRL. The NFCO was tasked with providing, on a request basis, amateur radio repeater frequency coordination information to: individuals wanting to install a repeater system, various frequency coordination entities, the FCC. The NFCO was also involved in gathering repeater coordination data for publication in the annual ARRL repeater directory. After a few years, the NFCC went into decline for several reasons, but never completely disappeared. However, it is not functional at the present time. A couple of the leadership stalwarts are trying to revive the NFCC web site, hosted by the ARRL, but the last election of officers was several years ago. The ARRL developed the Amateur Radio repeater band plans, but it does not coordinate these repeater frequencies. To the best of my knowledge, the ARRL has never been directly involved in repeater coordination disputes. However, the NFCO has provided repeater coordination data to the FCC for use in investigating repeater-to-repeater interference issues, repeater jamming issues, and for working with the 70 CM repeater owners affected by the on- going Air Force Pave Paws radar project. I don't know if the ARRL is currently staffing the NFCO. Dan Henderson, working with Chris Imlay and Riley Hollingworth, handled the Pave Paws issues. I believe ARRL NFCO expense has been minimal to non-existent the past few years. Dealing with the Pave Paws issues would have been our concern if the NFCC never existed because ARRL's primary purpose is to protect all Amateur Radio frequency spectrum allocations. The ARRL board has not discussed the status of the NFCC MOU in recent years. There are good reasons for keeping it going - if the NFCC can be brought back to life, and there are valid reasons for letting the MOU go. - Dick Isely, W9GIG Former NFCC President