ARRL'S RENEWED CALLS TO FCC INCLUDE PLEA FOR TECHNICIANS' HF PRIVILEGES

The ARRL has renewed an earlier plea that the FCC grant HF privileges to Technician class radio amateurs. The revival of this proposed change is prominent on a long list the league has drawn up for the commission, responding to the federal government's goal to eliminate certain FCC regulations or guidelines. The league is asking that Technicians gain phone privileges on 80 metres, 40 metres and 15 metres along with RTTY and digital privileges. This is not the only previous petition the league is pressing for as part of the commission's announced changes. It is also asking that sub-band boundaries be adjusted on 80 and 75 metres to correct what it calls an "imbalance" that doesn't reflect the increased presence of digital operations. The ARRL is also underscoring its belief that baud rate and bandwidth limitations should be eliminated on certain amateur LF and VHF/UHF bands. This FCC initiative was announced in its Further Notice of Proposed Rule making in 2023.
The FCC initiative was contained in its Docket Number 25-133 which has been referred to as the "Delete, Delete, Delete" docket.