[ARRL-OK] I have heard enough

[Nate Bargmann]

* GONERIDING@aol.com <GONERIDING@aol.com> [2003 Jul 22 16:20 -0500]:
> To code or not to code??  I think everyone is missing the boat on this.  If 
> we don't do something, we will loose our bands!!!!!  If we don't use them, I 
> can assure you that there are commercial interests out there that would use 
> them, so I think we need to do whatever we can to protect them.  

Occupancy is the key to retaining our spectrum and I am no better than
anyone else when it comes to fulfilling that role.  The highest
frequency band I have equipment for is 440 MHz FM and that's not good
enough.  How many hams have never been on a band higher than 2m?  My
guess is that the percentage is far too high for whatever reason.

I believe that we value most that for which we work hardest.  A simple
statement.  So what is our most valuable spectrum allocation?  By
tradition and by the current licensing system the answer would have to
be the spectrum below 30 MHz.  Am I saying this spectrum is not
important?  Not all.  HF is a vital part of Amateur Radio's identity,
history, and tradition.  Meanwhile the bands above 30 MHz are the
"utility bands".  They are also the most valuable spectrum in terms of
commercial potential the Amateur Radio Service has.

I've entertained a crazy idea for several years that with the potential 
elimination of the Morse Code exam (I refuse to call it CW as even SSB 
is CW--understand what CW really means) the current licensing
arrangement could be turned on its head.  I say invert the whole system.
That's right, new hams get all of HF and to really use and develop new
technologies above 30 MHz requires an upgraded license.  Too radical you
say?  Let's look at the typical new ham these days.  Most Technicians, I
have observed, spend some time on the local repeaters and some will set
up a station to work some DX.  A very few seem to get interested in weak
signal work or non-FM modes.

Most that are willing to advance in the hobby will study for their
license upgrade and access to HF.  Then to finally have all amateur
privileges they study some more and upgrade to Extra.  A lot will be
happy on HF along with local contacts on VHF/UHF.  A few will migrate
back to VHF/UHF and begin exploring the non-utility modes and less
crowded bands.  I find myself doing this.

Thus, I think that by turning the whole system around that after some
time the motivation for upgrading will lead to excitement and curiosity
of our most valuable spectrum--namely, the UHF+ bands. Can we occupy 
those bands fast enough to save them?  I don't know.  I have a real life 
that cuts into time for pursuing interests like this.

I do ask that rather than dismissing my idea out-of-hand you consider it
and give it some thought.

Somehow the Service's perception of the spectrum above 30 MHz need to
change from "that lump of spectrum the newbies get" to "our most
valuable and intriguing spectrum and the key to Amateur Radio's future."

We've got to save it before it's too late.

73, de Nate >>

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