[K3PZN-List] Part 97 Overhaul

[Al Bisasky K3ZE]

>From the ARRL Website:

Morse requirement, license restructuring remain on FCC's radar (Dec 21,
2004) -- The ARRL does not anticipate the FCC to offer up any proposals on
the Morse requirement and further restructuring of the Amateur Radio
licensing system until sometime next year. The FCC Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau continues to review thousands of comments it
received on 18 petitions for rule making--including one from the ARRL. The
various petitions called for eliminating or altering the Morse code
requirement and changing other sections of the Amateur Service Part 97
rules, including further restructuring of the amateur licensing system. In
addition to agreeing on other changes affecting Amateur Radio, World
Radiocommunication Conference 2003 (WRC-03), left the choice to require
Morse proficiency for HF access up to individual countries, and several
already have dropped Morse code as an examination requirement. That has not
yet happened in the US. Before the FCC adopts any changes in the Morse
requirement and the license structure, it must complete its comment review,
issue a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) reflecting its interpretation
of consensus within the amateur community based on comments received and
invite further comments on the NPRM. The FCC then will review those comments
before issuing a Report and Order that spells out any final rules. The ARRL
does not anticipate any changes in the Morse requirement or in other Amateur
Radio licensing requirements before 2006, possibly later. While this rule
making process is under way, no changes have been made in the Amateur Radio
Service rules. The 5 WPM Morse code requirement (Element 1) to gain HF
privileges in the US remains in place, and no proposed automatic upgrades or
other rule changes have been put into effect. The ARRL has posted answers to
frequently asked questions on its own restructuring proposals.