SB QST @ ARL $ARLB028
ARLB028 FCC assigns RM number, seeks comments on ARRL petition

ZCZC AG28
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ARRL Bulletin 28  ARLB028
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  April 24, 1998
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB028
ARLB028 FCC assigns RM number, seeks comments on ARRL petition

The FCC has assigned a rulemaking number, RM-9259, to the ARRL's
request for an FCC declaratory ruling equating band plan compliance
with good amateur practice. The action is considered a bit unusual
since RM numbers generally are assigned only to petitions for
rulemaking, not to requests for a declaratory judgment.

The League's April 3 request asks the FCC to affirm that amateur
operation that conflicts with established voluntary band plans and
causes interference or adversely affects those operating in
accordance with applicable band plans would violate FCC rules. The
ARRL wants the FCC to acknowledge that hams should be familiar
with--and should abide by--voluntary band plans applicable to the
bands they operate and to state that those who don't operate in
harmony with those plans are not operating ''in accord with good
amateur practice.''

Comments on the League's request are due to the FCC by May 21. A
complete copy of the League's petition may be found on the ARRLWeb at
http://www.arrl.org/announce/declreq.pdf.
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