[W2CRA] What would make linked-repeater-networks better within the Amateur Service? (fwd)

[Art Greenberg]

At first I thought that Keith wanted to discuss operational advantages of 
linking, specifically using VoIP (Internet).

On further reflection, I think this guy has a complaint, and he's looking 
for support to petition the ARRL for support.  In a separate email to me 
he said:

> While I was researching repeater controllers, I found that there were 
> issues with the linked-repeater-network organizations. In particular, I 
> began to question it they were open and in the Amateur tradition. I 
> asked the ARRL for an opinion and will be passing on to them what I 
> learn from my email.

I interpret this to mean that he's discovered that there are barriers to 
joining networks (e.g., EchoLink), and he does not think any such barriers 
or restrictions are in the "spirit" of Amateur Radio.  And he does not 
think it right that ARRL does not currently support his position.

So this is really a political discussion, not a technical or operational 
discussion, and it has nothing to do with CRA or the CRA repeater system 
in particular.

-- 
Art Greenberg
artg at eclipse.net