[Milsurplus] FWIW - FCC Will Soon Consolidate Commercial Radiotelegraph Certificates

[Mike Morrow]

On 08 January 2013, the FCC issued a report and order approving consolidation of the
First and Second Class Commercial Radiotelegraph Certificates into one "Radiotelegraph
Operator License" that requires no renewal for the life of the holder.

The Third Class Certificate is replaced by a "Marine Radio Operator Permit".

The R and O is at:

  http://www.fcc.gov/document/part-13-report-and-order-concerning-commercial-radio-operators

Of course this isn't directly related to list subjects, but quite a few here hold or
have held US commercial radiotelegraph licenses.  Frankly, the surprise to me is that 
radiotelegraph operator licensing wasn't eliminated altogether.  The Morse requirements
were already reduced to ham Extra Class requirements about 20 years ago, and US
commercial Morse (except for antiquarian demonstrations) ended 12 July 1999.

It'll probably be at least three months before the new rules become effective.

73,
Mike / KK5F