[FCARC] HR 607 and the 440MHz band

[Craig Szczublewski]

This is a forward of a message from Jim Weaver to the ARRL Great Lakes
Division mailing list.  I normally would not forward messages to another
mailing list, but this is fairly relevant as it could impact the 440MHz
band.  Thanks for reading on,

Craig Szczublewski - KD8KBU...

[Reply to k8je at arrl.org]

Your prompt help to defend one of our amateur bands is urgently
requested. Please read and follow through on the requested action.

You may have already heard that our 440 MHz band is being attacked by a
bill introduced into the US House of Representatives. In its current
form, HR 607 would take away the 420-440 MHz segment that is presently
allocated to Amateur Radio on a secondary basis as our 70 cm band. 
Along with certain other segments not allocated to Amateur Radio, the
420-440 MHz segment would become part of a spectrum “give back” involved
in allocating 758-763 and 788-793 MHz for a Public Safety broadband network.

The concept of this network has merit. Everyone wants first responders
to have the radio systems they need in order to protect themselves and
us. However, there is absolutely no need to take our 440 MHz band in
making it happen. We need to let our US Representatives know we oppose
the current form of HR 607.

To let your US Representative know you oppose the present bill, go to
http://www.kd4pyr.net/hamletter.htm. Insert your call sign where
indicated and follow the simple instructions. The name and address of
your US Representative will automatically be put into the letter, as
will your name and address. It will be ready to be printed and signed.

IMPORTANT: Please be sure to observe the following once you have printed
your letter:

- Be sure to sign it. Letters without a handwritten signature are not
effective.

- Signed letters can be sent by fax or postal mail. They can also be
scanned into PDF format and e-mailed as a file attachment. Postal mail:
John Chwat, Chwat & Co., Suite 103, 625 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA
22314. E-mail: john.chwat at chwatco.com. Fax number: (703) 684-7594.

- Do not send this letter or any letter about HR 607 to your US Senators
at this time. The bill is only in the US House of Representatives.
Letters sent on HR 607 to US Senators will merely waste their time and
demonstrate lack of knowledge of how our system of government works.

WHY SHOULD the letter be mailed to John Chwat? There are two reasons.
First, all postal mail to members of the US House (and other government
bodies) is delayed 6 to 8 weeks in being searched for hazardous
materials that may be included in them. Second, Mr. Chwat will increase
the value of your individual letter by combining it with others and
delivering the stack of letters directly to your Representative's
office. This manner of delivery makes a particular impact on our
Congressmen.

If you feel it necessary to mail your letter directly to your
Representative, do it. However, please also send a signed copy of it to
Mr. Chwat for the reasons outlined above.

For your information, the letter generating utility will be open for use
by any US amateur for at least a couple of weeks.

Thanks for your help and support in this important effort. Please let me
know if you have any questions or suggestions.

73,
Jim

PS: Thanks to Rick Haltermon, KD4PYR for developing the letter
generating utility. He was aided by Trey Garlough, N5KO who wrote the
initial program. Rick continues to add flesh to the program.

Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director
ARRL Great Lakes Division
5065 Bethany Rd.
Mason, OH 45040; Tel. 513-459-1661
ARRL, The national association for Amateur Radio