[160m] RM-11305

[Tom Rauch]

> >RM-11305 was filed on behalf of the "Communications Think
> >Tank" I think it is important to pay attention to this!
> >
> I read it, and I am still not sure I understand it. It
sounds like
> rather than designate 7.000 to 7.150 for A1, RTTY etc it
does the same thing
> only separates by bandwidth type. Not trying to be a wise
guy here, just
> want to understand what it is we are petitioning. Why
would I be at the
> mercy of other wider operators if the bands are segmented
based on
> bandwidth?
>
> It does not sound to me like there is NO regulation, only
a change in
> how the band is regulated, can someone explain to me how I
have this wrong?

Tim,

I don't know what you read, but here is what they want. It
is taken directly from their petition on the FCC site:

"This petition is centered on the premise that all operating
interests and emission types enjoy equal status in the
amateur service, with emergency communications taking
priority. Operation of an amateur station includes a "listen
before transmit" function that involves searching for a
vacant spot on the dial. Recognizing that all non-emergency
communications are of a hobbyist and experimental nature, we
propose access to any vacant frequency for any amateur
activity within the scope of privileges granted by license
class."

What they are asking for is ALL FCC regulations of who does
what, within a license, be removed. Since I am an Extra I
could go on any mode anywhere I liked and operate until the
cows come home. If you are on PSK working a PSK station and
I can't hear you or recognize your signal, I could open
right up with 1.5kW SSB. If I hear a SSB station on 3500kHz
USB, and wanted to work him, I could. Never mind that W3AAA
is trying to work a European on 3505 and the IM3 products of
my transmitter at -33dB PEP have placed a 3/4 watt SSB
splatter on 3505.

This proposal is moronic. Only a fool would think amateur
radio would somehow benefit from allowing any operator to
operate any mode on any frequency within his class of
license!

Please, let's not let anyone drive a nail in the coffin of
amateur radio by turning it into a licensed for of freeband
CB where anyone can do anything they please!

Dave Gilbert says it best in this comment below:


"Any self-appointed group that has the arrogance to call
themselves the
"Communications Think Tank" gives me the shivers to start
with, but the
content of their proposal lays waste to even the pretense of
intelligent
thought.  I'm not at all against change in our hobby, and
I'm willing to
accept the fact that change might come in the form of
regulations that
negatively impact my own operating preferences.  I'm trying
to keep an
open mind on RM-11306 from the ARRL (band allocations by
bandwidth), but
RM-11305 from the "Communications Think Tank" is just plain
stupid.
Here's an excerpt from the filing:

"Our proposal, if approved, would reduce potential friction
among operators
when bands are in heavy use and congested, especially during
contests.
Greater flexibility in selection of operating frequencies
will enhance
cooperation
between those who choose to participate in organized
operating events
and those who do not."

What kind of thought process could come up with that
conclusion?
RM-11305 goes on to suggest that the ARRL and the Official
Observer
system would establish and enforce new and flexible
voluntary band/mode
plans ... as if any of that has ever worked well in the
past.

WD8BIL appears to be the leader/spokesman of the
"Communications Think
Tank", and this quote from him (per Amateur Radio Newsline
Report 1455
dated July 1, 2005) might give some insight into the real
intent of the
petition:

"Under heavy - for example - phone operation right now,
particularly on some of the lower bands where overcrowding
in the peak
hours is just horrendous it gives us the opportunity to
spread out into
areas of the bands that are under utilized."

RM-11305 is so silly I find it difficult to believe the FCC
would give
it serious consideration, but who knows these days.

Dave AB7E"