[Fists] Refarming CW allocations

[Karl J. Zuk]

I would like to encourage FISTS members to comment to the FCC regarding the 
ARRL's proposal to "refarm" CW portions of the HF bands to phone use. I am 
upset that the ARRL is proposing to "refarm" CW segments of the some HF 
bands to assuage overcrowded phone operators. I am especially upset with the 
idea of losing 25 kcs of the novice portion of 40 meters and having the 
novice/tech plus licensees gain privileges to most of the HF CW allocations. 
I think it is helpful for newcomers to have an identity and a place to find 
eachother easily instead of anonomously mixing them in with everyone else. 
Finally, I'm annoyed at the ARRL for marketing this move as a way to improve 
efficiency of the bands and burying the lead story instead of just coming 
out and saying they want some CW allocations moved to phone. Their 
often-quoted on-line poll of amateurs' opinions failed to mention that point 
clearly. Very sneaky. Not until recently has the ARRL been forthright in 
saying they were whittling away the CW spectrum. Sure, I can technically 
operate CW across any band, but tell me how long I would last on a 40 meter 
phone band on any given evening. Thanks for listening, Karl N2KZ Fists 8568

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