[CW] FCC Actions - OOOOPS?

[N2EY at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/12/06 5:41:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
k4kyv at hotmail.com writes:


> >>Why do the CW nets have to move?
> >>
> >>CW can be used anywhere.
> >>
> >>Unless of course..     the SSB operators that move down
> >>use their usual standard operating procedures <frown>.
> 
> The FCC needs to clarify their R&O.

And fix the typos.
> 
> When incentive licensing went into effect, many generals recalled the old  
> class A and class B licensing structure, where class B (generals) could 
> operate cw anywhere in the band, but only class A's could operate phone on 
> 75 and 20.

That system ended in February 1953.

The original 1963 ARRL proposal would have revived that system. But other 
proposals, filed in response to the 1963 ARRL proposal, convinced the FCC to do 
the subbands-by-license-class thing we've had ever since.

> 
> Turns out the FCC interpreted the new rules to mean that the Advanced and 
> Extra portions of the bands were restricted to those classes, regardless of 
> mode. 

That was clearly stated in the FCC proposals of 1965 and 1966.

 Gererals were not authorised to use CW in the Advanced and Extra 
> 
> class phone portions. Several hams reportedly got citations because of that 
> misunderstanding.
> 

Which is not a good reflection on them! The "incentive licensing" changes 
were discussed extensively for *five years* before the rules changes became 
effective. 

> The wording of the latest R&O does not make it clear whether, for example, 
> generals and advanced will still be able to use cw and digital from 3600 to 
> 3700, or if that segment will be restricted to extra class, regardless of 
> mode.
> 

Where is it unclear  (besides the obvious typo)? The available frequencies 
are listed by license class. The concept of subbands-by-license class remains 
completely unchanged - only the limits of the subbands change. 

It will be interesting to see how 3.60 to 3.70 is used.

73 de Jim, N2EY