[CW] Morse testing

[mikea]

On Mon, Dec 18, 2006 at 03:02:02PM -1000, Ken Brown wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> > And any argument that was made for removing the CW
> > test can also be applied to the written test.
> The biggest difference will be that the backing for this proposal will 
> come from people who want to sell more radios, instead of people who 
> want to sell more memorization guides. Either way, the FCC will be able 
> to claim that they are responding to public demand, rather than just 
> continuing their own already established agenda.
> >  I wouldn't be surprised to see that removed within 10 years.
> >   
> I would be very surprised if it takes that long. My guess is three or 
> fours years until no more tests, and an additional three of four years 
> for no licenses needed.

But C Weilbrenner, W6NNH, made a valid point at lunch today: we can 
look for the price of HF rigs to go down -- maybe even _way_ down, as
increased demand will enable YaeComWood and other manufacturers to do
bigger production runs. 

The removal of the code requirement came about a year before I had 
expected it to, but in the 0-to-2-year window I've been using when I 
discuss it. I think the examination requirement will take a lot longer
to go away, but we'll see lifetime licensing a la Great Britain Real 
Soon Now. 

Very 73 and Merry Christmas, de

-- 
Mike Andrews, W5EGO
mikea at mikea.ath.cx
Tired old sysadmin