[CTSARA] Possible Loss of Amateur Bands (follow up)

[Jonathan Solomon]

GoodDay Fellow Hams-
 
Abouta month ago, John, KB1QBZ, sent an email to the list informing us of a bill inCongress that threatens part of the Amateur spectrum.  As my real job is in TV, I’m also aware of the larger impactthis bill will have on broadcasters. I have been following some threads on broadcast related mailing lists,and have summarized the information from those lists, as well as another hamlist, below.
 
Thinkabout how hard it is to explain why amateur radio exists and what fun it is toany teenager; between instant message, Facebook and unlimited (yet reliable)cell phone use, it is easy to see how an uneducated person (child orcongressperson) could negate the need for amateur radio.  It is V E R Y important that weparticipate in the democratic process and let our voices be heard.  As evidenced by the ever-shrinking TVbroadcast spectrum (another bill is being considered to remove even morechannels from broadcasters), once congress and/or the FCC reclaim some spacefrom licensed users, they are apt to go after more.
 
Atthe end of this email I have provided easy ways to contact yourcongressperson.  First, here aresome sites that can provide you more information on the bill:
ARRL:http://www.arrl.org/hr-607
http://www.arrl.org/news/spectrum-management-bill-threatens-amateur-frequencies
 
Here is a link to amore “layman’s” term of the bill, as listed on the Society of Broadcast Engineerswebsite.  [I understand SBE &ARRL have the same legal council]:
http://sbe.org/sections/documents/LegislationHR607Article02212011.doc
 
Ways to have your voice heard:
NOTE: One thing I haveconsistently read is that postal letters mailed directly to your representativeis not the most effective communication because of security measures.  Some of the links below will point youto a third party (you could call them a lobbyist) that will deliver the letterin person.
 
ARRL Sample Letters: http://www.arrl.org/sample-letters
 
AutomatedLetter Generator (print, sign and fax…): http://www.kd4pyr.net/hamletter.htm.
 
Find your congressperson: http://www.congress.org/communicate
                        Onthe right side, enter your ZIP Code.
 
Contact the FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/contacts.html


Please make your voice be heard.  



Thank you and '73s
Jonathan
W3EIC