Will this petition before the FCC bring an end to amateur radio as we know it? I am an avid listener of
Jim, W6LG and his YouTube channel and that’s where I got the heads up from. There is a newly released FCC news bulletin out regarding a petition to re-write Part 90 of the rules. It will put high power stations right up against the 20 Meter band edge. Long story, short, it will make the 20 Meter band almost unusable.
Here is a link to the petition. Be patient it will show up: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1042840187330/1
End To Amateur Radio As We Know It?
The Petition fails to provide complete disclosure regarding the Effective Radiated Power of the transmitters, which will exceed 200kw rather than a mere 20kw.
The Petition asserts that the level of -35dB is satisfactory in addressing the issue of interference from adjacent channels, including the Amateur Radio Service. However, at ERP wattages ranging from 100kw to 200kw, a level of -35dB is inadequate. Therefore, the SMC's assertion of interference below the noise floor is incorrect. It is important to highlight that amateur radio operators utilize computer technology to communicate with stations whose signals are significantly below the noise floor by many tens of Decibels.
The Spectrum Modernization initiative seems to be a group of bitcoin traders with the objective of allocating significant portions of the HF bands to bitcoin trading activities globally. It's not only bitcoin, but stocks and commodities. Their position is we are only using it for a hobby and their use will be for the financial industry, but Ham Radio is more than a hobby. Ham radio has historically been a hub of technological advancement, inspiring individuals to delve into and experiment with radio communication. The significance of ham radio operators in emergency communication services cannot be overstated. When all else fails, Ham Radio works! In addition Ham radio has played a crucial role in facilitating global communication, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect and share ideas. Individuals and Ham Radio clubs participate in a variety of community events and provide much needed communications free of charge. Ensuring the preservation of the current FCC regulations for ham radio is essential in maintaining the cherished tradition and numerous advantages that this hobby has provided for generations.
Please, feel free to copy and paste the above into your comment to the FCC.
Time Is Of The Essence
We don't have much time left to make comments. July 31, 2023 is the deadline. Here are two links to file comments:
Express short form comment, easy https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express
Long form with PDF comment https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/standard
When it asks for "Zip+4", just enter the extension.
Thank You
I am not an alarmist, but the source of the money for this group is concerning. The end to amateur radio as we know it could be in the near future if we allow others to use their money and influence to change the airwaves.
Speak up and submit a comment to the FCC.
73 and Good DX!
Rich, K0PIR
The Elecraft K3S at the Home QTH
How does this harm Amateur Radio, if confined to frequencies outside Amateur radio bands? Your objection is too vague.
Hello and thank you for commenting here. I just wanted to get this out ASAP since we only have until July 31 to comment. Jim, W6LG does a great job explaining it in the video. I’ll update with another post later. I encourage everyone to comment to the FCC. Here are some interesting points made by Jim about the petition:
• The Petition does not fully disclose that the Effective Radiated Power of the transmitters will be upwards of 200kw and not simply 20kw.
• No factual test data is contained in the Petition.
• The SMC claims that there has been no complaint of interference from the Amateur Radio Service. Since the signals from SMC are encoded digitally, it is not possible for the typical amateur radio operator to decode and understand the source of interference. Additionally, it appears that the ERP of their test stations was approximately 100 watts. Their statement about not causing interference is faulty and has no basis.
• The Petition states that -35dB is sufficient to mitigate the adjacent channel interference that will be created within bands of other services including the Amateur Radio Service. At ERP wattages of 100kw to 200kw, -35dB is insufficient. The SMC’s claim of interference below the noise floor is incorrect. It should be noted that amateur radio operators use computers to talk to stations whose signals are below the noise floor by many tens of Decibels.
• The Petition fails to indicate the strength of the interference to other services at various frequencies such as aircraft.
• The Petition does not fully disclose the number of transmitters and locations across the country.
• The SMC may in fact be a coalition of multiple countries that are not supportive of the United State.
• The Petition does not discuss RF exposure levels.
• The Petition indicates that Amateur Radio Operators have, for the most part, new equipment that can filter the generated inference. Filtering in the passband is not possible.
• The Spectrum Modernization appears to be a coalition of bitcoin traders whose goal is turning over large segments of the HF bands to bitcoin traders from around the world. Turning over to a limited number of bitcoin traders is not the ‘highest and best uses’ of the HF spectrum.
73,
Rich