[South Florida DX Association] FCC Proposes new rules

[NPAlex at aol.com]

This might get some support -
Norm W4QN
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Dateline, Washington, DC

The FCC today took what  they described as an important new step 
to reduce QRM on amateur  frequencies by setting standards for 
voice speeds. The docket #200-4U  will become official in the Part 97 
amateur regulations effective  April First.

Citing frequent complaints about "long, boring  conversations" on the 
ham bands, especially 75 meters, the Commission  moved to impose a new 
standard on voice operations requiring all  conversations to be at a 
speed of "at least 200 spoken  words-per-minute".

The Commission in its ruling was especially  critical of what they 
called "long winded, often endless  conversations by old men talking 
about their prostate problems and  other needs to get up and go to the 
bathroom several times during the  night".

FCC staffers say they have personally heard conversations  
about nothing that went for hours and tied up frequencies that could  
be used by faster talkers.

Official Observer stations  have received instructions to listen to 
suspect conversations and  count the number of words-per-minute 
spoken. Those QSOs which fail to  meet the minimum speed requirements 
will be noted and the operators  involved will receive Official 
Observer Advisory Notices encouraging  them to follow the rules or 
risk receiving notice of apparent  violation citations from the FCC.

Some hams in southern states  complained the new regulation will 
impose a burden on them because  they naturally talk more slowly than 
those up north. They are  suggesting that frequencies be set aside 
for slow speed discussions  concerning favorite country music artists 
(particularly Don  Williams), NASCAR, huntin' and feeshin' 
(particularly bass and brim).  FCC says it may consider that in 
future rulemaking.

In  a separate press release, the American Radio Relay League said 
they  are also concerned about two-meter operation where little is 
discussed except "full quieting and items to be picked up on the way 
home". The League said that sort of thing is boring and is usually 
spoken very slowly as well, far below the 200 words-per-minute 
minimum. The League suggested conversations on how to help raise more 
money for League activities would be especially welcomed and will be 
encouraged. Future issues of QST will contain special pull-out 
sections containing recommended topics for on-air discussion to 
brighten up QSOs.