[Lowfer] 137 kHz Band in U.S.

[JD]

Interesting thoughts, Stan, and many of the ideas will undoubtedly come to 
fruition.

I don't know that the 500 kHz model is what's primarily needed here, though. 
That was a start-from-scratch situation... a proof of concept, if you will, 
to support the creation of a band internationally where none existed 
anywhere in the world.  The 137 kHz situation is very different.  There 
already IS a band, recognized internationally and utilized by hams in every 
developed country in the world--except us, presumably because of our 
sub-third-world power grid.

The holdup in the U.S. is not that enough interest or awareness of the 
possibilities doesn't exist.  It's not even really a technical concern, come 
right down to it.  It's a perceptual and political problem.  The FCC had a 
Report and Order ready to implement the band, as I understand it, but a 
wrench got thrown in the works when the power industry pitched a fit and 
NTIA withdrew their backing.

More demonstrations of interest in the form of more Part 5 licenses wouldn't 
hurt anything, probably, in terms of keeping the issue visible.  But the FCC 
made it clear they're walking a tightrope at LF.  My personal opinion is 
that we are likely to see some movement after WARC-12 is out of the way, 
assuming no industry feathers get ruffled in the process; but to do anything 
in a serious way, we need to sound somebody out who's in more or less 
regular contact with the Commission on these matters.  The ARRL's FCC 
counsel comes to mind as the most likely candidate.  (Although until the 70 
cm spectrum grab is resolved, I suspect he's going to be awfully busy 
keeping amateur radio from LOSING one of its most important existing 
bands!!!)

As for a place to coordinate efforts...I think we're reading it.  If a Web 
site is needed for documents, articles, publicity to the outside world re: 
LF bands, etc., that already exists.  It's just waiting for someone to use 
it on behalf of 137 kHz!

John