[SFDXA] Temporary Symbol Rate Exception Granted

[WILLIAM MARX]

> The FCC’s Mobility Division has verbally granted ARRL’s request for
> emergency waiver of the symbol rate limit for the sole purpose of
> handling traffic related to Hurricane Ida this weekend. This verbal
> approval is effective immediately, and continues until the Division
> issues a written decision, which is expected early next week. 
> Headquarters staff has been notified and I believe that they are
> readying the appropriate public notifications.
> 
> ARRL’s request is for a 60-day waiver so that it can be employed to
> handle traffic related to any additional hurricanes that come our way
> this season after Hurricane Ida.  Due to recent developments in digital
> protocols that have found widespread usage in the amateur community both
> here and abroad, the waiver request is not limited to PACTOR IV.  Any
> similar protocol, such as VARA, may be used for this purpose so long as
> it meets the same requirements that have applied in the waivers granted
> in earlier years:   protocols must be publicly documented, use no more
> bandwidth than the currently permissible slower protocols, and be used
> solely for communications related to the subject disasters (hurricanes
> in this instance).
> 
> The written request is being finalized at headquarters and will be
> forwarded as soon as filed at the FCC.  Please direct any questions
> about the waiver to me.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> ARRL Southeastern Division
> Director: Mickey V Baker, N4MB
> n4mb at arrl.org