[South Florida DX Association] FCC Proposes new rules

[Michael Raskin]

Sorry, Bruce, but Norm is correct.  It's true about the FCC - I read about 
it in the New York Time editorial yesterday.

73,
Mike, W4UM (ex-K4KUZ)
South Florida DX Association - www.qsl.net/k4fk
Mid Florida DX Association - www.w4fdx.com
Florida Contest Group - www.floridacontestgroup.org


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bruce Phegley" <bphegley at bellsouth.net>
To: <NPAlex at aol.com>
Cc: <SFDXA at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 10:07 PM
Subject: Re: [South Florida DX Association] FCC Proposes new rules


> You got to be kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!
> you would have to also consider the slow speed CW operators
> Give me a break!
> This a joke, really it has to be. Maybe this is left over from April fools 
> day.
>
> NPAlex at aol.com wrote:
>
>>This might get some support -
>>Norm W4QN
>>===================================
>>
>>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.
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>SFDXA mailing list
>>SFDXA at mailman.qth.net
>>http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/sfdxa
>>
>>
>>
>
> -- 
>
>
> Bruce Phegley  http://home.bellsouth.net/p/pwp-PTmobile
>                  http://www.qsl.net/w4ov
>
>
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