SB QST @ ARL $ARLB033
ARLB033 FCC Spikes Restructuring Rumor at Dayton

ZCZC AG33
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 33  ARLB033
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  May 19, 1999
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB033
ARLB033 FCC Spikes Restructuring Rumor at Dayton

Speaking to a packed house at the Sunday FCC forum at Dayton
Hamvention, Bill Cross, W3TN, of the FCC's Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau spiked rumors that the FCC would have
something substantive to say at Dayton about Amateur Radio
restructuring, WT Docket 98-143.

''I can confirm without reservation that the rumors that have been
flying fast and furious as to what the Commission has decided or
will decide are just rumors,'' he said. According to Cross, the
Commission had not decided anything as of May 13.

Cross said the FCC received 2250 comments from the amateur community
in the proceeding. Comments have been read and files, he said. Some
comments continue to straggle in, although the deadline passed in
January.

Cross offered his take on what the FCC might do, inferring that the
Commission would propose either three or four license classes, no
more, no less.

Based on the comments received, Cross said, many hams believe
amateur examinations are not testing on the correct information. He
invited hams to suggest questions to the Question Pool Committee,
the body that comes up with the questions that appear on amateur
exams. Suggested questions go to QPC Chairman Ray Adams, W4CPA, 6702
Matterhorn Ct, Knoxville TN 37918-6314. A copy to Bart Jahnke, W9JJ,
ARRL VEC, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111, would be appreciated.

Cross said comments on Morse code testing standards ''drew the most
passionate responses.'' The League has suggested 5 WPM and 12 WPM
testing tiers. Cross said those expecting a new top speed above 20
WPM would be disappointed, but he offered no other predictions on
how the Commission might act on the CW requirements issue.

Cross also said the Universal Licensing System would be going into
effect for Amateur Radio later this year, and it will incorporate
the vanity call sign program. The system will replace the venerable
Form 610 series with a new, inclusive electronic document known as
Form 605. ULS will permit amateurs to file applications,
modifications or renewals via the Internet. Individual hams will not
be required to file electronically, however. He encouraged hams to
register for the ULS.

For more information, visit the FCC's Amateur Radio page,
http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/amateur/.
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