| July, 2007 |  |
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ARRL Files Federal Appeals Court Brief in Petition for Review of BPL Rules
The ARRL has filed a federal appeals court brief outlining its case and requesting oral arguments in its petition for review of the FCC’s broadband over power line (BPL) rules. The League has petitioned the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit to review the FCC’s October 2004 Report and Order (R&O) in ET Docket 04-37 and its 2006 Memorandum Opinion
and Order. In its brief filed May 17, the ARRL contends, among other things, that the FCC’s actions in adopting rules to govern unlicensed BPL systems fundamentally alter the longstanding rights of radio spectrum licensees, including Amateur Radio operators.
Legislative End Run Nets Win for Oklahoma Amateur Radio Antenna Bill
An Amateur Radio antenna bill has made it through the Oklahoma legislature and now awaits the signature of Gov Brad Henry. Securing passage of the essence of the limited federal preemption known as PRB-1 was no mean feat, however. Proponents of the legislation had to switch to Plan B after House Bill 1037 (HB 1037) failed to make the House calendar for a vote after getting a “do pass” recommendation in the General Government and Transportation Committee. Supporters of the measure were successful in getting the language of HB 1037 attached to Senate Bill 426, which involves municipal annexations. SB 426 passed the Senate 45-2 and the House 90-5.
Canadians lose 136kHz and 5MHz
Since 2001, a number of special, time-limited authorisations have been granted to some Canadian radio amateurs to conduct experiments on 136 kHz and at 5 MHz. All of these special authorisations will expire and transmissions must cease on 30 June, 2007. Further special authorisations will depend on the outcomes of WRC-2007, scheduled for 22 October - 16 November. At the suggestion of Canada, the agenda includes a new, worldwide, secondary Amateur allocation at 135.7 – 137.8 kHz. A secondary allocation near 5 MHz may also arise at WRC-2007 as a consideration in the review of radio services in the band 4 – 10 MHz. (RSGB)
RSGB & IARU Respond to 10GHz Auction
RSGB and IARU Region-1 are continuing their defence of the
10GHz band. Their responses to the latest Ofcom consultation on the
Spectrum auction can be found on the Ofcom website at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/10-40GHz/responses.
The RSGB & IARU responses are the second formal submission on this
topic and continues the joint effort in conjunction with affiliated
societies including AMSAT-UK, the UK Microwave Group and the British
Amateur Television Group BATC. Ofcom plans would have potentially
serious consequences for innovative developments by the Amateur
Satellite Service. (RSGB)
WAS Gets a New Look
Radio operators applying for the ARRL Worked All States (WAS)
award will now receive a handsome, newly-designed certificate, sure to
be a nice attraction to the ham who enjoys chasing awards and
displaying prizes in the shack. The WAS Award is available to all
amateurs worldwide who submit proof with written confirmation of having
contacted each of the 50 states of the United States of America. The
WAS Awards program includes 10 different awards and endorsements.
Complete details, rules and applications for WAS can be found here
on the ARRL Web site. Those who already hold a WAS award can get the
new style certificate issued to them at a cost of $10. Contact ARRL
Awards Manager, Eileen Sapko or 860-594-0288.
Mark your calendars and plan to join us!
| July, 2007 | |
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