FCC Adopts Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Proposing to Eliminate ALL Morse Test Requirements!

On July 19, 2005, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRM") proposing to eliminate ALL Morse testing requirements.

NOW is the time to READ the NPRM and prepare and file your Comments with the FCC. The deadline for filing Comments on the NPRM is October 31, 2005 and Reply Comments are due by no later than November 14, 2005. (Comment deadlines were established by the NPRM's publication in the Federal Register, which occurred August 31.)

Since the NPRM proposes to eliminate all code testing, members' comments can - and should - be relatively "short and sweet." 2 to 3 pages (at most, including the "boilerplate") should be sufficient to praise the FCC for their progressive proposal and indicate your support for the changes proposed in the NPRM.

A Microsoft Word file containing the "boilerplate" format for formal comments (the most effective type) can be downloaded from this link this document contains the basic formal filing format (the black text at the top, down to the "Comments of .." part). The remainder of the text in blue and red are simply instructions on what goes where, the "signature" requirement, etc. and should be deleted after you've followed the instructions they contain.

Once you have prepared your comments (and cleaned up the document to eliminate the blue and red "placeholder/instructions" text), you can file your comments electronically via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System ("ECFS")

Instructions on how to file comments and view the comments of others are provided in paragraphs 54-58 of the NPRM and brief instructions on filing comments electronically via the FCC's are also available here on the NCI website by following this link. The ECFS accepts several file formats for upload of your comments, but MS Word and Adobe .pdf are the most common formats. (Adobe .pdf is generally more compact if you can convert your Word document to .pdf format.)

Again, since the NPRM proposes essentially what NCI has sought - the complete elimination of Morse testing requirements from the FCC's rules, keep you comments brief, but clear, polite, and supportive.

Don't engage in any "ranting" about others who may feel that Morse tests should continue to be a requirement. (Such comments are unnecessary and inappropriate and we don't want to in any way risk "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.")

NCI Board Adopts Resolution Regarding FCC Inaction on Morse Testing

In response to member inquiries and frustration about the lack of progress by the US FCC in eliminating the Morse test requirement, as many other Adminstrations have done following WRC-03, the NCI Board of Directors has unanimously adopted the following resolution:

Be it resolved,

Since the following actions have occured;

1. The FCC has not seen fit to eliminate the amateur radio code test in the U.S. in a timely manner since WRC2003, and

2. The ARRL has proposed only a partial elimination of the code test, in violation of IARU constitutional rules, and

3. NCI, having waited patiently and in vain for FCC action for nearly two years on the issue

4. The U.S. Government, now appears to be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by not elimating a test which is no longer required under nternational treaty, and which discriminates against those with certain disabilities.

Be it resolved that, if the FCC does NOT take action to propose an NPRM, which calls for the entire elimination of code testing, by July 22nd, 2005 (The date of the VEC conference), that NCI will...

(1) Initiate direct letter writing activity to key U.S. Senators and Congresspersons, by all NCI members demanding action by the FCC, and

(2) Simultaneously initiate direct letter writing by NCI members to FCC Commissioners demanding action on the matter.

Be it further resolved, that this resolution shall be posted on the NCI website within not more than 10 days of adoption, and an e-mail be sent to members informing them of this resolution.

Kenya Drops Morse Requirement, Makes Other Changes to Simplify/Facilitate Ham Licensing

According to an article in QST's August 2004 edition (page 88), the Communications Commission of Kenya has dropped the Morse requirmement and made additional changes to simplfy and facilitate amateur licensing in Kenya. Further information is available on the webiste of the Amateur Radio Society of Kenya at http://www.qsl.net/arsk

New Zealand Also Drops Code Requirement

Jim Linton VK3PC, President, WIA Victoria.reports that the New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development has announced that it has decided to end the amateur licence Morse code test requirement.

A notice in the New Zealand Government Gazette brings in the necessary changes to the Radiocommunications Regulations with their effective date being 17 June. The long-awaited decision means that New Zealand's current Limited licence will include access to all amateur bands. The Limiteds will become General licence class holders, however there's no requirement for them to change their existing callsigns.

The decision is in response to the end of mandatory Morse code tests taken
at the World Radiocommunications Conference in July last year. New Zealand is the latest in a string of nations to end the code tests.

France Drops Code Requirement - Class 2 Licensees Gain Access to HF!

Daniel, FY1FV reports that the decree which permits F1/F4 callsigns to operate on HF bands in accordance with WRC-03 recommendations had been published in the Official Journal of the French Republic on Sunday, May 16th. You can see this information on REF's web site
http:// www.ref-union.org (Click on the English Flag thumbnail to translate)

NCI Files Comments on the Latest Four Post-WRC Petitions for Rulemaking Filed with the FCC

NCI recently filed its comments on the latest four post-WRC petitions for rulemaking that were placed on public notice by the FCC.

The most significant were the petitions filed by the ARRL and the NCVEC. The other two, one filed by an individual and the other filed by a small ad-hoc group calling themselves "the Radio Amateur Foundation," did not make broad proposals for progressive restructuring, but were more along the lines of "Put things back the way they used to be." NCI opposed these latter two petitions outright, suggesting that the FCC should deny them.

However, the ARRL and NCVEC petitons, while similar in many respects, and quite comprehensive in their proposals for restructuring, merited serious consideration and comment.

In fact, in order to get a sense of the member's views, NCI's Board of Directors conducted a surveys of our US members to get their views on both the ARRL and NCVEC proposals, using a randon, but statistically significant, sampling of our US members, using the services of "surveymonkey.com." This survey was secured by individually assigned, unique passwords for each member solicited and each member was only permitted to respond once. The system even tracked the IP addresses that responses came from so we could make sure the survey wasn't "hacked" by someone in an effort to "stack the deck." (Members can rest assured that their IP addresses and other personal information will, as with all NCI member information, remain confidential and will not be used for any commercial purpose.)

The response rate was VERY good - thanks to all who took the time to participate! - and the results are represented in the comments that NCI filed with the FCC on the four petitions that were on public notice.

A copy of NCI's comments on those petitions is available (in Adobe .pdf format) here.

Iceland Drops Morse Requirement

Sveinbjörn Jónsson, TF8VE, has reported that On the 19th of April 2004 the Icelandic PTI dropped the requirements of Morse test for all radio-amateur licenses in Iceland.

In the new rule-statements from the PTI, there are now only two ham license classes in Iceland: General (G) and Novice (N). The No-Code Tech licenses are now upgradeable to General Class.

Sweden Drops Morse Requirement

Effective 20 April 2004 Sweden has also dropped the Morse code requirement. See http://www.ssa.se/index.php?varID=81

Austria Drops Morse Test for HF Access

According to a report from our Austrian National Chapter, on February 26th, 0:00 Local Time (Feb, 25th 23:00 UTC), new regulations are in effect in Austria, eliminating the Morse test requirement. The Morse code requirement for HF bands licence was dropped with the new regulations and grants CEPT Class 2 licensees full HF privileges. There are only two licence classes now: the full licence and the beginners' licence. However, free-will additional code tests are still offered. More information -GERMAN ONLY- is available at http://www.oe3owa.at.tf (this is a private page, not official, HAM-Regulations-Collection for OE)

Hong Kong Drops Morse Test Requirement for HF

Steven Beesley, VR2XMQ, NCI's National Chapter Chairman for Hong Kong reports that Hong Kong has joined the growing list of adminstrations to drop Morse code test requirements for HF. (Apparently code tests will still be offered - presumably to facilitate reciprocal operation in other countries that haven't yet updated their national regulations.)

A copy of the circular letter sent to Hong Kong amateurs is available here in Adobe .pdf format.

Denmark Has Reportedly Gone No-Code

We have received reports that Denmark has gone no-code,effective February 1, 2004. Unfortuanately, we have been unable to find an English version of the announcement, but we are told that it's available in Danish at: http://www.edr.dk/nybestem.htm

New NCI National Chapter in the Czech Republic

Karel Julis, OK1UHU, has been volunteered and been appointed by the NCI Board of Directors to serve as National Chapter Chairman and form a new NCI National Chapter in the Czech Republic.

All NCI members in the Czech Republic are encouraged to contact Karel and offer your support and assistance.

Croatia Has New Bands and No-Code HF

Croatia has become the first country in Region 1 to benefit from the expansion of the 40 metre band agreed at the World Radio Conference in Switzerland last summer. 9A amateurs have also been given privileges at 70 and 3,400 MHz.

New amateur radio regulations came into effect in Croatia on the 26th of December. Since then, amateurs there may operate between 7,100 and 7,200 kHz on a Secondary basis, with a maximum power of 1,000 watts PEP, in addition to the normal Region 1 allocation of 7,000 to 7,100 kHz. On 4 metres, Croatian amateurs now have 70.000 to 70.450 MHz, with a power limit of 10 watts. They also gain a new band between 3,400 and 3,410 MHz, with a maximum permitted power of 150 watts.

The Morse code requirement for an HF bands licence was also dropped with the new regulations and there are now only two licence classes there: the full licence and a beginners' licence.

[From Jeramy Boot, G4NJH, in Nottingham England. (GB2RS)]

Papua New Guinea Enters 2004 by Going No-Code

Australia is not the only nation in the Southern hemisphere to have some ham radio rules changes with the new year. A report out of Papua New Guinea says that the tiny nations has welcomed 2004 by going no-code.

According to Rick Warnett, P29KFS, in Port Morsby, the nations' telecommunications regulator PANGTEL has issued an opinion confirming that P-N-G hams holding a Limited Amateur Operator's Certificate of Proficiency now have access to all High Frequency bands granted by PANGTEL. As a result, from 0000 P-N-G time on December 31st hams assigned P29Z series calls have full High Frequency access in the ham bands from 165 KHz thru 28MHz in addition to their 430 MHz to the multi GHz allocation. (Q-News)

NCI Director Emeritus Pete Halpin, PH1PH, Recognized by the RSGB

At its annual general meeting on Saturday, the 6th of December, the Radio Society of Great Britain presented a number of awards and trophies to individuals in recognition of their work and achievements.

Two special awards were presented in this, the Society's 90th anniversary year. These went to Simon Brown, HB9DR and GD4ELI, and to Peter Halpin, who holds the callsigns PH1PH, G7ECN and M3ECN, for their significant contribution to the development of amateur radio technology. (for a picture of Pete accepting the award, click here - Pete is on the right in the photo, accepting the award from Bob Whelan, G3PJT - the RSGB's current Chairman).

This is not the first significant award that Pete has garnered. Previously, has been recognized, not just once, but twice, by the QRP Amateur Radio Club International.

In June of 2001, Pete was awarded the QRP Amateur Radio Club International's FIRST 6m QRP (<= 5W) DXCC, with 102 countries confirmed at the time.

More recently, in July of 2003, the QRP Amateur Radio Club International recognized Pete again with its Quality Recognition Program Award.

Congratulations to Pete and Simon!!!

Their achievements serve as a shining example of just how wrong some hams are when they claim that "Those no-code folks are nothing more than a bunch of CBers." or make other similarly derogatory and untrue remarks.

VK Going No-code on 1 January, 2004

(from the WIA Victoria)

The Australian Communications Authority has announced that from 1 January, 2004, holders of Australia’s two VHF/UHF only licences - Limited Licence and Novice-Limited Licence - will be permitted to operate on amateur HF bands.
Limited licensees will be able to operate on all amateur bands, while
Novice-Limiteds will gain the VK Novice segments on the 80, 15 and 10
metre bands.
The decision by the ACA follows widespread support for the removal of the
Morse code proficiency requirement in Australia.
While the Limited and Novice-Limited will gain HF privileges, all five Australian licence grades will continue until a review of the Amateur Service is completed in 2005.
Wireless Institute of Australia, Victoria President Jim Linton, VK3PC, welcomes the ACA decision as an interim measure ahead of the proposed restructuring of the licensing system.
Jim Linton VK3PC said, "This is only six months after the end of mandatory Morse code tests for amateur licensing became law on 5 July 2003 after the World Radiocommunications Conference in Geneva." He said the changes officially take place at Midnight, Australian Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, 31 December 2003, and news is expected soon of the WIA organising an on-air celebration to mark occasion.

Finland Drops Morse Testing November 1, 2003

Paul Keinanen, OH3LWR, reports that Finland has deleted Morse code as a requirement for HF access, effective November 1st, 2003. While the official announcement appears to only be available in Finnish, Paul reports that the major elements are as follows:

• The 5 wpm Morse test will no longer be required for access to the HF bands (in fact, it is reported that no new Morse tests will be offered).
• The technical class will have the same privileges as the general
  class (full power, all bands)
• The data communication class will have the same privileges as the
  basic class (medium power, 80 m, 40 m, 15 m, 10 m, 2 m, 70 cm and 24
  GHz)

Papua New Guinea latest to drop Morse requirement (excerpted from The ARRL Letter)

Rick Warnett, P29KFS, reports that the Papua New Guinea Telecommunications Administration (PANGTEL) has deleted Morse code as a requirement for HF access. The decision came on October 6 and was to be formally announced in the following few days, said Warnett--the Papua New Guinea International Amateur Radio Union representative for the Papua New Guinea Amateur Radio Society. "Some 30 to 40 new 'full calls' will now have access to HF radio and the international communication possible," Warnett said.

FCC Invites Comments on Additional Morse Code Related Petitions (excerpted from The ARRL Letter, with portions highlighted for emphasis and NCI-added editorial comments in blue)

The FCC has sounded the bell to begin Round 2 of the Morse code debate by
inviting public comment on another group of seven Morse-related petitions
for rulemaking. The FCC put the petitions on public notice October 8, and
comments are due by November 7. Members of the amateur community may make their opinions known on any or all of these filings using the FCC's
Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). The petitions are RM-10805 through RM-10811. To summarize:

* Charles L. Young Jr, AG4YO, asks the FCC to delete the 5 WPM Morse code
test (Element 1) for Technician-plus-Element 1 privileges (formerly "Tech
Plus"). Designated RM-10805, his petition would retain Element 1 as an
examination requirement for General and Amateur Extra applicants and give Technicians limited HF SSB privileges.

* Describing CW as "the purest, most accurate, efficient, reliable and
economical form of radio communications ever devised," Frank Napurano,
K2OKA, requests that the FCC retain the 5 WPM Morse requirement "in the
interest of public safety, the preservation of a radio art and as a tribute of support for a prized and respected avocation." The FCC designated his filing as RM-10806.

* A petition by Robert G. Rightsell, AE4FA and Harry A.M. Kholer, N0PU,
designated RM-10807, would continue Morse testing but give applicants up
to 24 points of exam credit according to their success on Element 1. The
final exam score would be the sum of earned Element 1 points and the
written test score for a possible total of 100 points. Their petition also
calls on the FCC to consolidate the Novice and Technician and the Advanced
and Amateur Extra licenses, boost the number and range of written test
questions and give new Technicians CW and data privileges.

* Joseph Speroni, AH0A, seeks to have the FCC delete Element 1 for
applicants who want to operate phone on HF but retain Element 1 at 5 WPM
for applicants who want to operate CW. Designated RM-10808, his petition
would restructure the Amateur Radio testing regime to require specific
knowledge of "RTTY, data, image, spread spectrum, pulse/test, RACES/ARES and space communications only for those wishing to operate these modes." Under Speroni's plan, applicants would be under no obligation to pass mode-specific examination elements for mode privileges they don't wish to
operate. (NCI editor's note: This is perhaps the most confusing and convoluted petition of all ... with a requirement to pass a plethora of mode-specific tests before one could operate anything but "phone" and even tests to participate in RACES/ARES communications, this petition, if adopted would make testing extremely complicated and burdensome, both for applicants and VEs, would inhibit our ability to experiment with new modes, and would have a very negative effect on RACES/ARES operator availability.)

* The Puerto Rico Amateur Radio League (PRARL) asks the FCC to delete
Element 1 for Technician and General classes but to increase the rigor of
the written elements for those two license classes. The PRARL would keep the 5 WPM Morse exam for Extra applicants. The PRARL also would eliminate same-session retesting and require 30 days between retakes. The petition is designated RM-10809.

* James Roux, W4YA, proposes in his petition, designated RM-10810, that
the FCC cut the number of license classes to two--General and Amateur
Extra--and the number of written examination elements to one--at the
General level. Roux's petition would eliminate the 5 WPM Morse code exam for General but require Extra applicants to pass a 15 WPM test. Roux also would give Generals all currently available amateur privileges except the Extra-class CW subbands.

* A petition filed on behalf of FISTS CW Club would delete the requirement to pass Element 1 to obtain Technician plus Element 1 (ie, "Tech Plus") HF privileges. Designated RM-10811, it would merge Tech and Tech Plus into a single class, emphasize technical content, including digital modes, on written examinations and extend digital mode privileges within Novice/Tech Plus subbands. It would not provide additional HF phone privileges for Technicians, however. The FISTS petition would retain a 5 WPM Morse exam for General applicants and raise the Morse exam to 12 WPM for Amateur Extra applicants while increasing the technical level on written examinations for both classes.

NCI comments/recommendations: NCI recommends that members oppose all of the above petitions. An e-mail bulletin will be sent to members in good standing with instructions on how to use the FCC ECFS to file your comments. (You have kept your e-mail address updated with us, haven't you? If you have changed your e-mail address and haven't notified NCI, use this link to send an update with Callsign/NCI member number and your current e-mail address.)

Luxembourg Grants CEPT Class 2 Licensees HF Privileges, Effective Sept. 18, 2003

The Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation has issued a notice entitled "Decision 03/69/ILR of September 18, 2003, Radio Amateur Services" that grants CEPT Class 2 licensees full HF privileges, effective Sept. 18, 2003. Here are links to copies of the notice in English (MS Word) (.pdf) and French (MS Word) (.pdf).

Singapore Removes Requirement for Morse Code Examination for General Class Licence (From the website of the Singapore Amateur Radio Transmitting Society (SARTS))

The Info-comm Development Authority of Singapore [has announced] that as from the 15th of September the requirement for a Morse code examination for HF operating privileges in Singapore was removed. As from the 16th of September all current and future licences will be convertible to General Class with full HF privileges.

Singapore is thought to be the first country in Asia to adopt the recent amendments of Article 25 of the ITU Radio Regulations.

RAC Survey Shows 2/3 of Canadian Hams Want Morse Requirement Dropped

The results of a recent survey by the Radio Amateurs of Canada (the Canadian IARU Society) showed that 66% of Canadian hams want to see the Morse test requirement dropped for access to the HF bands.

More details on the survey and its results can be found at this link to the RAC website.

IARU Says "Remove Code Requirement!!!"

(Excerpted from the ARRL Letter)

"The focus was on the future when the International Amateur Radio Union Administrative Council met September 6-7 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

In the aftermath of WRC-03, the council urged IARU member-societies to call to the attention of their administrations "the desirability of adopting specific changes in their domestic regulations for the amateur and amateur-satellite services, so that they will be consistent with the revised Article 25 of the international Radio Regulations." In that vein, the IARU governing body called for the removal of Morse code as an examination requirement to operate on HF. The council reiterated its stance first taken in 2001 that Morse code proficiency "as a qualifying criterion for an HF amateur license is no longer relevant to the healthy future of amateur Radio."

"IARU policy is to support the removal of Morse code testing as a requirement for an amateur license to operate on frequencies below 30 MHz," the IARU Administrative Council resolved. At the same time, the council's resolution recognized Morse code as "an effective and efficient mode of communication used by many thousands of radio amateurs." It also took into account ITU-Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) Recommendation M.1544, which sets down the minimum qualifications of radio amateurs.

Ireland Drops Morse Testing

Effective September 15, 2003, Irish amateurs no longer have to have passed a Morse test to gain access to the HF bands.

All Class B licensees now have Full License Privileges.

(full text of the official announcement in .pdf here)

VK Set for Code Removal

(from the website of the WIA Victoria section)

The Australian Communications Authority is preparing for the removal of Morse code telegraphy tests for amateur licensing, in line with the decision of the ITU in Geneva in July this year. An official announcement by the ACA on when code tests will end is expected in a matter of weeks, if not sooner.

The ACA no longer wants to delay the end of code tests until early 2005, which is when the ACA expects to make major reforms for the amateur service.

Those regulatory and administrative reforms will flow from the ACA's discussion paper that was released on 22 August for public comment.

The only delay now facing the removal of code tests is the legal document drafting process - a government requirement for changes to legal documents including the amateur service regulations. The ACA has received many requests from radio amateurs and representations from the WIA in support of code-free licensing.

It will also have an eye on the European Conference of Telecommunications (CEPT) working group meeting this month, which is discussing its implementation of an end of mandatory Morse code tests.

The result being widely tipped is that CEPT licensing involving some 40 countries will be code-free. A number of CEPT countries have already jumped the gun by removing the code requirement.

A few more radio administrations have told radio amateurs in their country that code-free licensing is supported, but rather than take unilateral action they prefer to wait for it to be done through the formal CEPT decision-making process.

The ACA may decide to hold off any announcement on the timing of VK code-free licensing until the CEPT decision is known. Australia has a reciprocal licensing agreement with the CEPT and any decisions it makes will be felt downunder.

NCI Director Emeritus, Peter Halpin, PE1MHO, Recognized by the QRP Amateur Radio Club International

It has come to our attention that Peter Halpin, PE1MHO, has been recognized, not just once, but twice, by the QRP Amateur Radio Club International.

In June of 2001, Pete was awarded the QRP Amateur Radio Club International's FIRST 6m QRP (<= 5W) DXCC, with 102 countries confirmed at the time.

More recently, in July of 2003, the QRP Amateur Radio Club International recognized Pete again with its Quality Recognition Program Award.

While Pete certainly deserves credit and recognition for having earned these awards, his achievement also serves as a shining example of just how wrong some hams are when they claim that "Those no-code folks are nothing more than a bunch of CBers." or make other similarly derogatory and untrue remarks.

Dutch Hams to Be Code-Test-Free Sept. 1

Hams in the Netherlands have received a letter from Agentschap Telecom announcing the end of Morse test requirements for access to the HF bands, effective on September 1st. The following is an informal, but believed accurate, translation of the salient parts of the letter:

"During the WRC 2003 held at Geneva last June a decision was made - among others - to modify article 25 of the ITU Radio Regulations with immediate effect. [The new] Article 25.5 allows individual administrations to determine whether or not they wish to keep compulsory Morse telegraphy [testing] for [access to] the HF bands.

It pleases me to inform you that the agency has decided to remove the
current obligation for [Morse] telegraphy for use of frequencies under
30 MHz, commencing 1 September. This means that category A and C will have
the same frequency usage rights. The decision has no impact on category N."

The letter goes on to mention that the last Dutch Morse test will be offered at
the end of this year. No more Morse testing will be done after December 2003. NCI is told that this represents the last previously scheduled Morse test because tests are done centrally twice a year.

(Editor's note: Apparently the previously scheduled Morse test will be conducted for those who choose to take it, but it will not be compulsory.)

Here is a copy of the body of the letter in Dutch (converted to HTML via Optical Character Recognition from a scan of the letter that was sent to NCI by a Dutch Ham).

New NCI Chapter Established in Australia

A new NCI National Chapter has been established in Australia, with the appointment of Peter Woodland, VK3KCG, as National Chapter Chairman.

All NCI members in Australia are encouraged to help and support Peter in advancing the goals of NCI in Australia. Peter will be lobbying the ACA for the prompt elimination of Morse test requirements, now that WRC-03 has eliminated the international requirement under the ITU Radio Regulations.

New Zealand to Drop Morse Testing

Removal of Amateur Service Morse Requirement in the HF Bands
15 August 2003 (from the NZ MED Website)

The recent ITU World Radio Conference in Geneva (9 June to 4 July 2003) reviewed Article 25 of the International Radio Regulations relating to the Amateur Service. The Conference decided that the ability to send and receive morse code is no longer a requirement for amateurs to use the HF bands below 30 MHz. Administrations now have a choice as to whether morse code should continue to be a requirement for amateur operation in the HF bands.

The ITU decision aligns with New Zealand's position on this issue. Consequently, the Ministry intends to remove morse operating competency from the syllabus for the New Zealand General Amateur Operator's certificate. The Ministry is also considering related matters such as the ongoing requirement for a limited amateur operator's certificate, reciprocal licensing arrangements, and other consequential changes to the examination syllabus.

The changes will be implemented as part of the next round of updates to the New Zealand Radiocommunications Regulations 2001, which is expected to occur later in 2003. Details of the final arrangements will be published on this web site and communicated by letter to all licensed amateurs .

Until the necessary changes to the regulations are made, however, holders of Limited Amateur Operator's certificates are not entitled to operate on bands below 30 MHz.

In the meantime the Ministry will be consulting with the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters Inc.and other parties who are interested in having an input to the development of policy on the changes. Anyone who is interested in providing such input should write to The Manager, Radio Spectrum Planning, Ministry of Economic Development, PO Box 1473, Wellington, or email info@rsm.govt.nz."

(Editor's note: It is unknown if New Zealand will issue an interim "blanket waiver" or not, but interested parties are encouraged to urge the Ministry to do so.)

Norway "Joins the No Morse Test Club"

Sverre Holm, LA3ZA, reports: "The CW requirement has been removed in Norway. The former three licence classes LA (12 wpm), LB (5 wpm, reduced HF power) and LC (no code, VHF) have been merged into one. The LC licensees will be given new LA callsigns, and the ones with LB may keep it or get a new LA callsign. My guess is that some of them will keep it, since the LB series only has two letters (e.g. LB1XY) while all new LA signatures now have three letters, currently ending in an A (e.g. LA1XYA).

The Norwegian PTT announced this yesterday (August 16) at the annual meeting of the NRRL."

(Watch the NRRL and NPTwebsites for official announcements.)

According to Herbert Heitzmann, OE2HHN, NCI's National Chapter Chairman in Austria, he has been informed by the President of OeVSV, the IARU-member society in Austria, that the Austrian telecommunication authory will grant HF access for all CEPT Class 2 licences provisionally, starting some time in September 2003, pending formal changes to the Austrian amateur radio rules.

In the future, the Austrian rules and regulations regarding amateur radio will be updated, with CEPT Class 2 licensees getting CEPT Class 1 status without any additional exam. (Editor's note: Under the CEPT "HAREC" agreements, the written tests for Class 1 and Class 2 are the same. The difference in privileges between the two classes was based on having passed a Morse proficiency test.)

Germany Joins Switzerland, the UK, and Belgium in Dropping Morse Requirements!

Effective August 15, 2003 an estimated 33,000 German Class 2 VHF/UHF-only
licensees will be permitted access to the HF bands the same as current Class 1 licensees. According to a statement from German Federal Ministry of Economy and Labor (BMWA), "Morse telegraph knowledge as a prerequisite to use the high-frequency bands is no longer required.

These rules apply for foreign Amateur Radio licensees with comparable
privileges operating during visits in Germany."

The upgraded Class 2 licensees will use their current call signs (prefixes include DB, DC, DD and DG).

A link to the text of the official notice in German is here.

NCI Files Petition for Rulemaking with FCC, Seeking Elimination of Morse Proficiency Requirements for All Classes of Amateur License Issued by the FCC

On August 13, 2003, NCI filed a Petition for Rulemaking, stating "Now that the ITU Radio Regulations have been modified, effective July 05, 2003, with the full support of the U.S. administration and without opposition by a single ITU member administration, to eliminate that unwaiveable requirement, we respectfully request, for the reasons outlined herein, that the Commission expeditiously take the next logical, progressive step – the complete elimination of the remaining Morse code proficiency test requirements from the Commission’s Part 97 rules for all classes of amateur license issued by the Commission."

A copy of the Petition, as filed, in .pdf format is available here.

Members are encouraged to watch here on the Articles page for continuing news and for guidance on how to file comments with the FCC at the appropriate time.

Belgian Class B Licensees Can "Trade In" Their Class B Licenses for Class A Licenses, Effective August 4, 2003, Gaining Immediate Access to the HF Bands!!!

The following is an unofficial translation to English of the French and Dutch versions of the Public Notice from BIPT to Belgian amateurs:

Announcement from the BIPT concerning amateur radio operators.

As a result of WRC-03 regarding the obligation of amateur radio operators to pass an examination on Morse code as a condition to access the frequency bands below 30 MHz, the BIPT has decided to immediately apply the WRC-03 decision, thus following the example of other CEPT-countries.

Therefore, every amateur radio operator holding a class B license may request a class A license, effective August 4, 2003.

To obtain a class A license, class B license holders must sent a letter to the Institute with all of the relevant data, together with a non-cancelled fiscal stamp of 5€ (five Euros) for each license requested.

Class B license holders upgrading to class A will be assigned a call ON4 – 5 – 6 –7, if possible considering the specific call the license holder might request.  The new class A license will be forwarded by return mail to the license holder along with the related invoice.

The Institute wishes all new class A license holders lots of success with their access to the HF-bands.

Swiss Class 2 Amateur License Holders Receive Letter Authorizing Immediate Access to HF Bands!!!

Swiss Class 2 license holders have received the letter from their radio regulatory agency mentioned below, granting them immediate access to the HF bands.

The official text of the letter is available here in German, French, and Italian.

An unofficial, but believed accurate, translation to English is available here.

UK RA Announces Removal of the Morse Requirement for HF Amateur Radio Operations!!!

(The following text is from an announcement page on the UK RA's website)

Following the World Radio Conference held on 9 June - 4 July Chapter 25 of the Radio Regulations has been re-written and simplified, allowing administrations to remove the Morse requirement for allowing Amateur HF operations. The UK has agreed to implement this and the Gazette Notice to implement the changes to the licensing Terms, Provision and Limitations Booklet will be issued as soon as possible. From the date of the Gazettes all Class B licensees will have full privileges contained in the BR68 and BR68/I as appropriate.

New Validation Documents and RA publications reflecting these changes will be issued on annual renewal.

Class B licensees need not take any action to obtain these privileges. These privileges will be granted automatically.

These changes do not affect Foundation Licensees.

The RA website and RSGB website will carry full details as soon as the Gazette notice is published.

HF Bands for UK Class B Licensees Soon!!!
The RSGB has learned from the RA that a Gazette Notice will be published shortly which will announce the end of the Morse requirement for access to the HF bands in the UK. From the date of the Gazette Notice all Full and Intermediate Class B amateurs will automatically have Class A privileges and will be allowed to operate on the HF bands with their existing callsigns. Watch the RSGB website at http://www.rsgb.org for the latest news.

Switzerland Reportedly to Authorize Immediate Access to HF Bands by CEPT Class 2 (no-code) Amateurs on a "Provisional Basis" While Permanent Rules Changes are Being Enacted!!!
The website of the USKA (the Swiss National IARU Society) is reporting that as a result of the newly effective (July 5, 2003) changes in the ITU Radio Regulations (no more Morse test requirement), OFCOM (the Swiss equivalent to the US FCC) has issued, or is in the process of issuing, letters to all Swiss CEPT Class 2 (no-code) licensees, authorizing them immediate access to the HF bands!!!

Here is the English text from the USKA website (where German, French, and Italian versions can also be found ... follow the links from the URL above to "News" and ):

Recently we received from our Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) the following information:

Due to the decision WRC 2003 to drop morse code as part of the licence test, the OFCOM will release in the next days a letter to all CEPT 2 licencees in Switzerland containing a temporary permission to use the short wave bands. With this provisional agreement it is possible the save a lot of time until the ordinance is changed.

Immediately after reception of this letter the CEPT 2 licencees are allowed to use the short wave bands according to the Swiss prescriptions with their present call signs.

This ultra-fast procedure of our national Telecommunication Authority in favour of the waiting amateurs is doubtless a result of the excellent agreement between the committee of USKA and the responsibles of OFCOM.

Herewith we express our gratitude for the OFCOM and we are wishing good DX to the present CEPT 2 licencees on the short wave bands.

The committee of USKA

WRC-03 Eliminates Morse Test Requirement from the ITU Radio Regulations, Freeing Administrations to Drop Morse Test Requirements From National Rules!
WRC-03, which closed on July 04 in Geneva, Switzerland, has modifed Article 25, Section 25.5 of the ITU Radio Regulations, eliminating the previously existing obligation on administrations to require Morse proficiency testing for classes of license that convey privileges in the bands below 30 MHz!

The changed language of S25.5 permits national administrations to exercise their own discretion on whether or not to maintain Morse testing in their national rules. The effect of the new language is essentially exactly the same as if S25.5 had been completely suppressed (eliminated), since administrations are always free to enact national rules that are more restrictive than, but not more liberal than, the ITU Radio Regulations.

This change, which became effective July 05, 2003 (the day after the close of the WRC) is expected to result in a number of administrations moving swiftly to eliminate Morse test requirements from their national regulations.

This action is a major step forward in achieving NCI's goals. With the elimination of the global barrier that the old S25.5 represented, NCI will now be refocusing its efforts on lobbying administrations to move rapidly forward in eliminating Morse testing from their national rules.

A complete copy of all of the modifications to Article 25 is available here.

Guy Matzinger, W1GUY, Steps Down from NCI Board of Directors
With regret and no small measure of sadness, the Board of Directors of NCI has accepted the resignation of Guy Matzinger, W1GUY.

Guy has served on the NCI board for several years as a valued and respected colleage who has served the membership well.

Guy asked that his resignation be accepted, citing health problems that he felt were interfering with his ability to be as active in the day to day affairs of NCI as he would like.

We will miss his participation and help and wish him well.

New NCI National Chapter Formed in Hong Kong

The NCI Board of Directors is pleased to announce the formation of a new NCI National Chapter in Hong Kong.

The Board of Directors has elected Steven Beesley, VR2XMQ, to serve as National Chapter Chairman for Hong Kong.

Steve has been the Hon. Secretary of the Hong Kong Amateur Radio
Transmitting Society for many years and he's also a founding member and Hon. Secretary of the Hong Kong Amateur Radio DX Association (HARDXA).

We encourage all NCI members in Hong Kong to support and assist Steve in advancing NCI's goals.

New NCI National Chapter Formed in the Philippines

The NCI Board of Directors is pleased to announce the formation of a new NCI National Chapter in the Philippines.

The Board of Directors has elected Marc Paraiso, DY1VCO, to serve as National Chapter Chairman for the Philippines.

We encourage all NCI members in the Philippines to support and assist Marc in advancing NCI's goals.

New NCI National Chapter Formed in Belgium
The NCI Board of Directors is pleased to announce the formation of a new NCI National Chapter in Belgium.

The Board of Directors has elected Gust Mariëns, ON1BMJ, to serve as National Chapter Chairman for Belgium.
 
Gust is also President of the VRA, Vlaamse RadioAmateurs (Flemish RadioAmateurs), one of two major regional amateur radio societies in Belgium. The other is UFRC, Union Francophone des Radioamateur Clubs (Union of French speaking radioamateur clubs). According to Gust, both associations are responsible in their own regions (Flanders and Wallonia), but work closely together on items of mutual interest and have a good working relationship with Belgian regulators.

Formation of active National Chapters Still An Important Goal of NCI
The NCI Board of Directors would like to thank our existing National Chapter Chairmen for volunteering to help to further the cause of NCI in their respective countries and we urge our members in their respective countries to offer them every assistance possible to aid them in establishing active and effective National Chapters.

Once again, though, our goal of establishing a National Chapter of NCI in every country where we have members still stands and we need your help if there is not yet a NCI National Chapter in your country!

If you are committed to the goals of NCI and interested in helping to achieve them by assisting in forming a new National Chapter in your country, please follow this link to more information and become more actively involved!

New Zealand adopts 5 wpm Morse test for HF access
New radio regulations came into force in New Zealand on 12 October. From that date, a single Morse test at 5 wpm replaces a two tier arrangement of 6 and 12 wpm tests.

(The policy of the administration appears to be to get rid of Morse testing, but while there are treaty obligations they include Morse testing to access amateur spectrum below 30 MHz.)

The IARU Council has adopted the following resolution!!!:

Considering the approval without opposition of ITU-R Recommendation M.1544, which sets out the minimum qualifications of radio amateurs,

recognizing that the Morse code continues to be an effective and efficient mode of communication used by many thousands of radio amateurs, but

further recognizing that the position of Morse as a qualifying criterion for an HF amateur license is no longer relevant to the healthy future of amateur radio,

resolves that

1. member societies are urged to seek, as an interim measure, Morse code testing speeds not exceeding five words per minute;
2. setting aside any previous relevant decisions, IARU policy is to support the removal of Morse code testing as an ITU requirement for an amateur license to operate on frequencies below 30 MHz.
   (emphasis added)

UK RA Follows Up New License Structure with Announcement of Additional Provisions for HF Access for UK "Class B" License Holders
The UK RA and the RSGB have arrived at an agreement which provides UK Class B license holders to gain HF access under the new "Foundation Class" license provisions with a simple "Morse assessment," rather than a strict 5 wpm Morse test.  For details, click here.

German National Advisory Group Advises Regulators Not to Support Retention of Morse Testing
NCI has received a report from Dr. Ralph P. Schorn, DC5JQ, NCI's German National Chapter Chairman, of significant developments in a recent meeting of an advisory group to German regulators, overwhelmingly recommending a German national position against supporting the retention of Morse testing as a requirement for amateur licenses.  For a copy of the original German language version of the report click here.  For an English language translation, click here.

UK RA, with Encouragement from the RSGB,  Institutes New License Structure Providing for Expanded HF Access
For details on the new UK license structure, including the new "Foundation Class" license, click here for a link the the announcement on the UK RA's website.

Peter Halpin, PE1MHO, NCI's National Chapter Chairman for the Netherlands, Elected by the Board of Directors to Fill Vacancy on Board
In recognition of his long history of dedication the goals of NCI and the excellent job he's done as NCI's National Chapter Chairman for the Netherlands, the NCI Board of Directors has unanimously voted to elect Peter Halpin, PE1MHO, to fill the vacancy on the Board resulting from the resignation of Herwig Feichtinger, DC1YB.  

Herwig Feichtinger, DC1YB, steps down as NCI Executive Director
Stating that the  increased time demands of his business are interfering with his ability to participate as actively as he would like in the day to day activities of the NCI Board of Directors, Herwig Feichtinger, DC1YB, our Director from Germany, has decided to tender his resignation as a member of the Board.
In his letter of resignation, Herwig stated "Many things have been achieved by NCI in the last years, and I am sure that our primary goal will be reached in 2003." and emphasized that he intends to remain a very supportive member of NCI and its goals.
On behalf of both the other Directors and the membership at large, the Board of Directors would like to extend a warm and grateful thanks to Herwig for his dedicated service over the past several years.

Thailand Moves to 5 wpm, too!
The Royal Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) reports that the Thai Post Telegraph Department (PTD) reduced the Morse code examination speed to 5 wpm (Words Per Minute) effective April 20th.
There are three Amateur Radio grades in Thailand.  Novice (VHF only), Intermediate (VHF - 10 watts, plus 7, 14, 21 and 28 MHz - 200 watts), and Advanced (VHF plus 500 watts on HF).  Thailand does not yet have the HF WARC 79 bands.
The Intermediate license previously required passing a Morse code test at 8 wpm, while the Advanced included 15 wpm Morse proficiency.  A change in the technical test content is also expected in the next examinations scheduled for November 2001.
(This report relayed by Fred, W5YI)

Canada Goes to 5 wpm for Full HF Access!
Industry Canada has released Amendments to the Technical Requirements set out in the Radiocommunication Information Circular 2 (RIC-2), “Standards for the Operation of Radio Stations in the Amateur Radio Service”  granting full operating privileges in all amateur radio frequency bands below 30 MHz to amateur radio operators holding a 5 wpm  Morse code qualification.  To view the text of the changes to Canadian amateur regulations from the Industry Canada website, click here.

New Zealand NCI National Chapter Established
The Board of Directors of NCI is pleased to announce the formation of a new National Chapter in New Zealand.  The Board has appointed NCI Director Bob Vernall, ZL2CA, to serve as National Chapter Chairman.  Bob is well acquainted with New Zealand's regulatory agency, ITU matters, and was one of the original Directors of NCI. 

US "Restructuring" Stands!
FCC Denies Petitions for Reconsideration of its Decisions in WT Docket No. 98-143, including "WAD II" which asked for the return of the 20 wpm Morse test for the Extra class license ...
The FCC released a "Memorandum Opinion and Order" on April 6, 2001, denying a collection of Petitions for Reconsideration which were filed in the wake of its December 2000 release of the Report and Order in WT Docket No. 98-143, which reduced the number of US amateur license classes from 6 to 3 and dropped both the 13 wpm Morse test for General class and the 20 wpm Morse test for Extra class to a single 5 wpm Morse test for both classes, stating at that time that no regulatory purpose would be served by maintaining the higher speed Morse tests, but also that it could not, at that time, eliminate all Morse testing requirements because of an obligation under the ITU Radio Regulations S25.5.

Six New NCI National Chapters Established!!!
The Board of Directors of NCI is pleased to announce the formation of new National Chapters of NCI in Austria, Canada, Germany, Israel, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, joining the already established National Chapters in South Africa and the Netherlands.  (The previously-announced French National Chapter is "on hold" awaiting the appointment of a replacement for the previously announced National Chapter Chairman, who resigned unexpectedly shortly after appointment, citing unforeseen conflicts with pre-existing obligations to other French amateur organizations.)

The newly-appointed National Chapter Chairmen are:

Austria - Herbert Heitzmann, OE2HHN

Canada  - Charles McNeil, VA3FCM

Germany - Dr. Ralph P. Schorn, DC5JQ

Israel - Oren Eliezer, 4Z9AGB

Switzerland - Peter Sidler, HB9PJT

The United Kingdom - Lee Humphrey, G6BFP

The NCI Board of Directors would like to thank our new National Chapter Chairmen for volunteering to help to further the cause of NCI in their respective countries and we urge our members in their respective countries to offer them every assistance possible to aid them in establishing active and effective National Chapters.

Once again, though, our goal of establishing a National Chapter of NCI in every country where we have members still stands and we need your help if there is not yet a NCI National Chapter in your country!

If you are committed to the goals of NCI and interested in helping to achieve them by assisting in forming a new National Chapter in your country, please follow this link to more information and become more actively involved!

CEPT Revises "HAREC" Standard, Reducing European Morse Tests from 12 wpm to 5 wpm!
The Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations--CEPT--has revised "HAREC" Recommendation T/R 61-02, dropping the required Morse test speed for the "full privilege" CEPT  Amateur License from 12 wpm to 5 wpm, effectively lowering the Amateur Radio Morse code test speed to 5 WPM for all European countries. The CEPT Radio Regulatory Working Group (WGRR), meeting last month in The Hague, adopted a revision of Recommendation 61-02 to include the 5 WPM standard.
The European Radiocommunication Office published the revised version of T/R 61-02 this month. The revision, which establishes requirements for the issuance of a Harmonized Amateur Radio Examination Certificate (HAREC), reduces the Morse requirement from 12 wpm to 5 wpm.
To view the full text of the revised T/R 61-02 in Adobe .pdf format click here.

NCI Board of Directors Responds to ARRL Resolution on Morse Testing Requirements
NCI's Board of Directors has formulated a response to the ARRL Board's recent adoption of a resolution outlining a new, somewhat more progressive policy on Morse testing requirements in the ITU Radio Regulations.
However, the ARRL Board's resolution stops short of accepting the ultimate elimination of Morse proficiency requirements in US amateur rules, instead insisting that Morse code should be retained as a testing element for US amateur licenses, even after the ITU Radio Regulations no longer require such testing.
In a letter to ARRL Directors, Vice-Directors, and Officers, the NCI Board commends the ARRL for moderating its stance with respect to the ITU Radio Regulations, but expresses its disappointment and concern that the ARRL is still committed, as a matter of firm policy, to maintaining Morse testing as a requirement under US regulations and urges the ARRL Board to reconsider this position in the time between now and the outcome of WRC2003.

ARRL Board of Directors Votes to Moderate Former "Hard-line" Position on Morse Testing Requirements in ITU Radio Regulations
In what several sources have reported was a a 9 to 6 vote, the ARRL Board of Directors has adopted a resolution modifying its official position, which previously vehemently opposed any notion of deleting the mandatory Morse testing requirements of S25.5 of the ITU Radio Regulations.  For more information on the ARRL Board's action, see a copy of the official ARRL Bulletin and a copy of the actual Resolution adopted by the ARRL Board.
NCI's Board of Directors will make a formal comment/response to the ARRL's action as soon as the NCI Board has had an opportunity to review and discuss it in detail and formulate an appropriate response.  (Watch here for more later in the week.)

Canada Issues Public Notice Proposing Rules Change to Replace 12 wpm Morse test with 5 wpm test!!!
For more information, click on the following link to a copy of the Notice with some live links to an e-mail address where comments may be sent and to an Industry Canada website where comments may reportedly be viewed.

Germany Drops 12 wpm Morse Test, Moves to 5 wpm for HF Access!!!
Germany has issued rules changes, effective December 13, 2000, which drop the 12 wpm Morse test and replace it with a 5 wpm Morse test.  For more details, see the HTML version (English translation) or the Adobe .pdf version.

IARU R3 Conference Results - "Eliminate Morse Testing!"
THE IARU R3 Conference recently held in Darwin, Australia voted almost unanimously to support the elimination of Morse testing as an international requirement for all amateur licenses.  (Only the ARRL voted against removing the Morse requirement.)  For more information and some editorial comment, click on this link.

RAC Asks Industry Canada To Discontinue the 12 wpm Morse Code Test

PB0ANL, of the Netherlands' VRZA's Licensing Matters Committee speaks out against the alteration of M-AOQ by the IARU's Region 1 Executive Committee
Ron Goossen, PB0ANL, the VRZA Licensing Matters Committee Chairman has written an article for CQ-PA, also questioning and protesting the submission of a draft version M-AOQ including "radiotelegraphy" requirements to the ITU by the IARU Region 1 EC Chairman PA0LOU.  
Ron has graciously granted us permission to post an approved English translation by Peter Halpin, NCI's Netherlands National Chapter Chairman.
(We expect to be given permission to post the original Dutch language text some time after the August 11th posting of CQ-PA ... watch for an additional link here if you'd like the original Dutch version.)

RSGB President Don Beattie comments further on the outcome of the Lillehammer Region 1 Conference - "No Morse"
The President of the RSGB - G3OZF, Don Beattie - has expressed surprise at the interpretation of events at the Lillehammer conference by VERON in their report of the conference published in Electron, November 1999, and by PA0LOU's comments at the Eurocom 2000 meeting in Friedrichshafen.  To view Mr. Beattie's statement, which was obtained through the efforts of NCI's Netherlands Chapter National Chairman, Peter Halpin, PE1MHO, who is also a member of the RSGB, please click on this link.

RSGB Challenges Modifications to M-AOQ in Conflict with the Outcome of the Lillehammer Region 1 Conference
In a letter sent to all IARU Region 1 Societies by RSGB President Don Beattie, G3OZF, challenges the validity of some recent rewording of a draft of Recommendation M-AOQ, which the IARU intends to recommend to the ITU when the now infamous ITU Radio Regulation S25.5 is reconsidered at WRC2003.  The gist of the letter, and an accompanying response to the draft, is that the draft does NOT represent the outcome of the IARU Plenary in Lillehammer and must be corrected to reflect the wishes of the majority of societies who voted NOT to support continued Morse testing requirements when S25.5 is considered at the next WRC.  For a copy of G3OAF's letter and the RSGB's response to the changes made to the draft recommendation, click here.

Australia Joins the "5 wpm Club!"
Australia has become the 7th country to adopt the five-words-per-minute Morse code amateur license test speed for full access to the HF amateur bands.  For more information, click here.

Comments on Code and the Handicapped
Here's a link to an interesting article, provided by Jim Hammock, KIØDN, Educational Services Coordinator, Courage HANDIHAM System

Transcript of the Remarks of William Cross, W3TN, of the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau on "Restructuring" and other Amateur Regulatory Items at the Dayton Hamvention

Papua New Guinea approves 5 WPM for full HF access:  Licensing authorities in Papua New Guinea have approved full HF access for Papua New Guinea "K call" holders. The move effectively gives any qualified Technician who can pass a 5 WPM Morse test full HF access, as had been the case earlier with 10 WPM qualifiers. (As reported by Rick Warnett P29KFS in Q-News)

NCI Board Re-elects Carl R. Stevenson, WA6VSE, to Serve as Executive Director for Full Term 
After the recent election of Directors for the term of office commencing May 1, 2000, the Board of Directors, according to the Bylaws, was obliged to elect an Executive Director to serve for a 1 year term of office, commencing with the conclusion of that election process.

Directors Bob Vernall, ZL2CA, and Fred Maia, W5YI, nominated Director Carl R. Stevenson, WA6VSE, for a full term.  Director Richard (Rick) Tannehill, W7RT, was the first to second the motion.  (Director Stevenson has been serving as Executive Director for the past several months, filling out the remainder of former Executive Director Fred Maia, W5YI,'s term.  Fred had decided to step down from the position, due to demands on his time by both his duties on the NCVEC's Question Pool Committee and his business as a result of  the FCC's recent Rules changes.)

The vote carried with 9 in favor, with Director Stevenson abstaining and Director Perens unheard from on the issue as of May 15, 2000.

Thus, according to the Bylaws, Director Stevenson will serve as Executive Director for a full term of 1 year, commencing May 15, 2000.

NCI Files Oppositions to Petitions for Reconsideration of the "Restructuring" Report and Order, Supports ARRL Petition
There were several Petitions for Partial Reconsideration" filed in response to the FCC's Report and Order in WT Docket No. 98-143 ("Restructuring").  The FCC chose to "lump them all together" in one Public Notice and handle them all at once.

Two sought, amongst other things, to reinstate the 20 wpm Morse test for Extra class licenses.  

One sought to upgrade "former Class A license holders" to Extra class, "to reinstate them to the 'top class status' which they held before changes in the FCC rules beginning in 1951" (former Class A licensees ended up being "grandfathered" to Advanced class licenses)

Another sought to establish a "Communicator" class license with very limited privileges on the 70 cm band

Finally, the ARRL sought to have the FCC retain the distinction (the "plus") between Technicians who had passed the 5 wpm Morse exam (and therefore have limited HF privileges) and those who have not in order to facilitate the amateur community's tradition of a certain degree of self-policing.  The ARRL also sought changes in the Rules regarding Morse test credit which would remove some perceived inequities, assure that all similarly-situate individuals were treated equally, and assure that, having once passed an FCC-recognized Morse examination, one would never have to take another Morse test again.

NCI opposed all of the Petitions with the exception of the Petition of the ARRL, which we supported fully.  For a copy of NCI's "Consolidated Comments in Opposition to or Support of the Various Petitions for Partial Reconsideration" click here.  (Adobe .pdf format)

More Action in The Netherlands ...
The Netherlands' 2nd largest amateur society, the VRZA, voted  overwhelmingly on Saturday, May 6th, for the abolition of Morse testing as a requirement for full-privilege HF licenses!  For more details, click here.

For an English version of the report issued by the VRZA, click here.

For an Dutch version of the report issued by the VRZA, click here.

Movement in The Netherlands Towards 5 wpm HF CEPT Licensing 
The members of the VERON (the IARU Society of The Netherlands) today (April 15th) voted by a sizeable majority to work towards a 5 wpm CEPT Class 1 license to replace the existing 12 wpm license. Although this does not go as far as abolishing the Morse requirement, it does open the door to change, and signifies a general swing in mood that is taking place in the Netherlands. The other Dutch society - the VRZA - will be meeting to vote on this and other issues on May 6th. Meanwhile the RDR (the Dutch equivalent of the FCC) has expressed a preference to skip the 5 wpm compromise altogether: they would rather see the Morse test abolished.

For a copy of the above text in Dutch, click here.

NCI Announces Move to Form National Chapters - The Netherlands Leads the Way
In a move to enhance the organization's effectiveness in lobbying radio regulatory agencies around the world, NCI's Board of Directors plans to establish "National Chapters" of NCI in all of the countries where we have members, according to the provisions of the Bylaws as amended April 8, 2000.

Peter Halpin, PE1MHO, has been appointed by the Board of Directors as National Chairman for The Netherlands.  Peter was the first member to join NCI from The Netherlands and has been quite active in corresponding with the Board in recent times.

The Board of Directors is actively seeking suitable volunteers from every country where NCI has members.  

Interested candidates (who must be members in good standing) should contact NCI's Executive Director Carl R. Stevenson, WK3C at wk3c@wk3c.com.

NCI Board Ratifies Bylaws Amendments
On April 8, 2000, NCI's Board of Directors ratified several amendments to the Bylaws designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.  To summarize, the changes are:

• Added sections C, D, and E to Article V, stipulating that Directors serve on a purely volunteer basis, authorizing reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses to Directors, and authorizing the Executive Director to make normal, routine expenditures from the NCI treasury account.
• Added new Article IX providing for the formation of, structure of, and rules for National Chapters.
• Renumbered former Article IX (Amendments to Bylaws) to Article X.

The full text of the Bylaws, as amended may be viewed in either HTML or Adobe .pdf format by clicking here. (Links to the original Bylaws are retained below the links to the Bylaws as amended for those who may be interested in comparing the two versions.)

NCI Board of Directors Election - The Results
As posted in this spot over the past month, according to the Bylaws, it was prescribed to hold an election for NCI's Board of Directors no later than April 15, 2000 for a two (2) year term commencing May 1, 2000.
  
Accordingly, the Board of Directors set about making plans for an election and a number of new pages were posted here on the NCI website relating to the election process, including an Election Announcement, with links to a Call for Nominations; a page of instructions on "How to Nominate a Candidate"; a "Nomination Form" to be printed, filled out, and submitted in order to nominate a candidate; and a page of links to "Candidate Statements".

All of the incumbent members of the original Board of Directors sought election for another two year term and were duly nominated, but nominations were also open to the general membership, as provided in the Bylaws, should other candidates wish to "toss their hats into the ring" and become involved in the administration of the organization.

As specified in the "How to Nominate a Candidate" page, cutoff dates of April 1, 2000 (for postmarking of nomination forms) and April 7, 2000 (for receipt of nominations in order for a candidate to be placed on the ballot) were established, in order to allow adequate time for any additional nominees' Candidate Statements to be posted to the website for member review, as well as for the preparation of a web-based ballot form and an e-mailing of secure, individual "validation passwords" to all members eligible to vote in the election to protect the integrity of a web-based voting process.

As of the April 7, 2000 cutoff date for receipt of nominations, no additional nominations beyond those of the incumbent Directors were received.

Thus, according to Article V, Section A, Par. 2 of the Bylaws, balloting is rendered unnecessary and the incumbent members of the Board of Directors, being the only nominees, are duly declared to be elected to another two (2) year term of office, commencing on May 1, 2000. 

(Article V, Section A., Paragraph 2 of the Bylaws specifies: 

"In the event there are not more nominations than the maximum number of Board of Directors members who served, at any one time, since the previous election, all nominees will automatically become members of the Board of Directors on the first day of the subsequent term.")

This Notice published April 8, 2000.

Carl R. Stevenson - WA6VSE
Executive Director

South Africa Also Adopts 5 wpm Full-HF-Access License!
The ARRL Letter reports that South Africa has also jumped on the bandwagon with a full HF access license with a 5 wpm Morse requirement.  For more information, click here.

Another Major Domino Falls ... Australian Amateur Rules Set to Change, 5 wpm Maximum Morse Speed for Full Privileges!
According to a news bulletin posted to the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) website, negotiations with the ACA (Australia's communications regulatory agency) have resulted in an agreement in principle from the ACA to amend Australian amateur rules prior to the Sydney Olympic Games, granting Amateur Intermediate Station Licencees  "... operation to the same extent as that currently authorised under the Amateur Unrestricted Station Licence."  In other words, full amateur privileges with only a 5 wpm Morse test requirement!

ACA reportedly cited "overseas trends in relation to this matter" as justification for the move and furthermore stated that "In recognition that it is likely that the international requirement for Morse code will be considered by the World Radio Conference in 2002/3, the proposed changes are minimal in scope."

To view the text of the WIA bulletin click here.

Fred Maia, W5YI, steps down as NCI's Executive Director, NCI Board elects replacement
Citing increased demands on his time by both his duties on the National Council of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators' ("NCVEC") Question Pool Committee ("QPC") and his business interests as a result of the recently announced changes in the FCC's Rules for the amateur radio service, Fred Maia, W5YI, stated that he felt it was time to "pass the baton" and asked the NCI Board to elect a replacement to serve out the remainder of his current term of office as Executive Director of NCI.

Fred will continue to serve as a valued and respected member of the Board of Directors of NCI and the other members of the board wish to publicly thank him for his efforts and leadership as Executive Director over the past 2 years.

Fred nominated Carl R. Stevenson, WA6VSE, to fill the position of Executive Director.  Director Bill Sohl, K2UNK, seconded the motion.  The vote was 10 in favor, with Director Stevenson abstaining.

Another "Petition for Partial Reconsideration" Surfaces, NCI Responds
On January 20th, Stephen B. Gerstenschlager, K0EY, filed a 3 paragraph document titled "Petition for Partial Reconsideration" with the FCC, seeking reconsideration of unspecified parts of FCC Report and Order 99-412.  A copy of Mr. Gerstenschlager's "Petition" (Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) can be viewed by clicking on this link to the the Gerstenschlager "Petition".

NCI has already filed a formal Opposition to Mr. Gerstenschlager's "Petition," which may be viewed (Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) by clicking here.

NCI files Formal Oppositions with FCC opposing "Learn" and "Wormser, Adsit, and Dinelli" Filings
NCI has filed formal Oppositions with the FCC to both the "Learn" "Request for Declaratory Ruling" and the "Wormser, Adsit, and Dinelli" "Petition for Partial Reconsideration" mentioned and viewable in the article below.

To view NCI's Opposition to "Learn" (Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) click here.

To view NCI's Opposition to "Wormser, Adsit, And Dinelli" (Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) click here.

Two "challenges" to the the FCC's "Restructuring" Report and Order Emerge!
Not all that surprisingly, two challenges to the FCC's recently-released "R&O" in WT 98-143 ("Restructuring") have emerged ... 

The first was filed with the FCC on January 7, 2000 by Larry L Learn, AA8JY, of Dublin, Ohio, and is couched as a "Request for Declaratory Ruling," seeking to "close loopholes and eliminate discrimination" in the recently announced upgrade process ... "loopholes and discrimination" which NCI does not believe are found in a reasonable reading of the R&O. A copy of the. "Learn" filing (Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) can be viewed or downloaded by clicking on this link to the "Learn" filing.

The second, which was received by the FCC on January 19,  2000  and is co-sponsored by Alan J. Wormser, N5LF, of Austin, Texas, Fredrick V. Adsit, NY2V, of Syracuse, New York and Michael J. Dinelli, N9BOR, of Skokie, Illinois.  This filing is couched as a "Petition for Partial Reconsideration," and makes a lot of opinionated assertions about "lowering of standards," complains about applicants being permitted to retake failed elements at the same VE test session (despite the fact that the applicant would be taking a DIFFERENT test), seeks to re-impose the 20 wpm Morse test for the Amateur Extra class license, and asserts that the merging of the Technician and Technician Plus classes in the FCC's database will "cause enforcement problems and impose "undue burdens on Technician Plus licensees."  A copy of the "Wormser, Adsit, Dinelli"  filing (Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) can be viewed or downloaded by clicking on this link to the "Wormser, Adsit, & Dinelli" filing.

NCI is formally urging all major national amateur organizations to oppose these regressive attempts to overturn the FCC's progressive decisions on "Restructuring," which we feel are long overdue and much needed for the future or amateur radio, "So that ham radio can get on with moving into the 21st Century and put behind us the divisiveness which accompanied the nearly 2 year FCC "Restructuring" Proceeding."

On January 12, 2000, NCI filed Comments with the FCC, FULLY supporting the ARRL's "PRB-1" Petition for Reconsideration
As stated above, NCI fully supports the ARRL in this matter ... a matter of which will only increase in importance in the future as cities and other non-federal governmental agencies enact, or attempt to enact, restrictive zoning regulations designed to prevent antennas of all types.  Additionally, in most areas of the US, it is becoming virtually impossible to buy a new home without finding that the property has been encumbered by developers with "CC&Rs" ... restrictions attached to the deed to the property which, amongst other things, specify a blanket restriction on virtually all outside antennas. For a copy of NCI's comments (Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) click here.

On December 20, 1999, the ARRL filed a Petition for Reconsideration with the FCC regarding "PRB-1", asking the Commission to reconsider the complete denial (DA-2569, released November 9, 1999) by the Deputy Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) of a Petition for Rulemaking (RM-8763) which the ARRL filed on February 7, 1996, seeking amendment of Section 97.15(b) of the Commission's Rules to clarify the Commission's preemptive intent in certain respects relative to state and local regulation of amateur radio antennas.  The intent of the ARRL's original Petition was to broaden the protections afforded under "PRB-1" and possibly extend it to preempt "CC&Rs" and other private, though increasingly unavoidable, restrictions on antennas which are having an adverse effect on the amateur community's ability to erect and maintain reasonable antenna systems. For a copy of the ARRL's Petition for Reconsideration (Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) click here.

Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, publisher of the Ham Radio Online "web magazine" recently posted some VERY good comments on "requirements"  and why US amateurs should accept the recent changes enacted by the FCC.
Ed has very graciously consented to allow us to repost those comments here (html format) for our readers' benefit.

The FCC has released the Report and Order in
WT 98-143 ("restructuring")!!!

Summary:  Three classes of license (Technician, General, and Extra)
                  One code test at 5 wpm for General and Extra

This represents a major victory in the battle to eliminate Morse testing as a prerequisite for amateur licenses conveying full privileges in the HF bands.  In light of the ITU Treaty requirements for some display of Morse proficiency, as outlined in S25.5 of the ITU Radio Regulations, the Board of Directors of NCI generally believes that this is the most favorable outcome we could have reasonably expected from this Proceeding.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Note that the new rules do not go into effect until April 15, 2000.

Due to the size and complexity of the document (LOTS of footnotes, etc.) it has been converted to Adobe Acrobat .pdf format.  If you don't have the Acrobat Reader software, go to Adobe's website to download the appropriate version for your system.  The .pdf version of the R&O is available here. 

(Webmaster's note:  "Appendix A," which simply listed the over 2000 individuals and organizations who filed comments in this Proceeding, has been omitted to reduce file size and download time.  Otherwise, the document is exactly as translated from the FCC's (WordPerfect?) format to MS Word to .pdf)

The FCC has "closed out" five Amateur-related Rulemaking proceedings, dismissing all five items, including the ARRL's "Request for Declaratory Ruling" and a Petition for Rulemaking filed by the Central States VHF Society, both of which sought in their own ways to establish protectionist regulation for certain modes of operation and both of which were opposed by NCI.
For an Adobe Acrobat .pdf copy of the FCC's Report and Order dismissing these five items, click here.  (for background, see the related articles below)

The UK's Radiocomunications Agency ("RA") has decided to allow links between UK amateur stations and the internet.
For more information on this interesting development, click here.

Recently, someone made the following comment in a usenet message: "If  you can't pass the code no license for you."
{the name and callsign of the author of this comment have been deleted to protect his privacy)
Here's the e-mail response sent to that person by Jim, WK2K, one of NCI's Directors.  We think it speaks volumes and hope that it will stimulate some open-minded thought and serve as an example of the way long-time hams can and should learn to accept modernization and change with dignity and grace.

NCI Sends Letter to IARU Region 1 Societies/Delegates in Advance of the IARU Region 1 Conference
NCI has sent a letter, outlining our recommendations on Morse Code testing requirements for the consideration of the IARU Region 1 Societies as they prepare for their upcoming regional conference.  The letter is viewable in two different formats a .html version and an Adobe .pdf format version.

NCI Responds to the "Reply Comments" of William A. Tynan, W3XO
Since W3XO's "Reply Comments" questioned the motives and integrity of  the major organizations opposing the CSVHFS' Petition (RM-9673) and made vague insinuations that "new operators" (presumably Technicians who constitute a substantial, though not overwhelming, portion of NCI's membership) are in some way at the root of "making the (alleged) problem worse," the Board of Directors felt that we should respond in an effort to set the record straight.  NCI's response to the Reply Comments of W3XO in RM-9673 can be viewed here. (Adobe .pdf)

William A. Tynan, W3XO, Files Scathing "Reply Comments" in RM-9673
Bill Tynan, W3XO, a well-known VHF DXer, former QST columnist, and former President of AMSAT NA, was involved in the filing of and is apparently an ardent supporter of the CSVHFS' Petition for Rulemaking.  A number of major organizations have filed comments in opposition to the CSVHFS' Petition, including the ARRL, the Texas VHF FM Society, the 220 Spectrum Management Association of Southern California, and NCI.  In his "Reply Comments" W3XO systematically attacks all of these comments in opposition to his desired outcome in the Proceeding, questioning both the motives and the integrity of the organizations in question.   He also insinuates that new operators are at the root of the (alleged) "problem" which the Petition "seeks to remedy," stating: "The influx of new operators, most of whom have not been brought up in the tradition of amateur radio and belong to no organization, national or otherwise, can only exacerbate the problem."  To view a copy of Mr. Tynan's "Reply Comments" in RM-9673 click in this link. (Adobe .pdf)

Sweden Drops Morse Code Test Speed to 5 wpm for Full HF Access!
Word has come from the Swedish Amateur Radio Society (SSA) that Swedish authorities have reduced the Morse Code test speed for their Class 1 (full HF access) license from 12 wpm to 5 wpm. To read the news yourself, click here.

NCI files Comments in Opposition to RM-9673
Because of the similarity between the Central States VHF Society's Petition for Rulemaking (see item immediately below) and the ARRL's recent "Request for Declaratory Ruling," which was overwhelmingly opposed by NCI members and the general amateur community as a whole, NCI has filed Comments opposing the Petition, which as been assigned RM-9673 by the FCC.  To view a copy of NCI's Comments (in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) click here.

Alert - Another move to "legislate bandplans" via regulation is under way!
Despite overwhelming opposition from the amateur community to the ARRL's recent attempt to get the FCC to give the current scheme of voluntary bandplans the force of law, the Central States VHF Society has filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the FCC, seeking to restrict "wideband" modes such as FM, packet, etc. from large parts of the 6m, 2m, 220 MHz, and 440 MHz bands. The FCC has assigned RM-9673 to this item. To view a copy of the Petition (in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) click here.

New UK 5 wpm HF license now official!
NCI has received a copy of a press release from the UK Radiocommunications Agency, announcing that the new "Full A/B" license class which only requires a 5 wpm Morse test for full HF band access takes effect on August 2nd, 1999!  The release also goes on to state that "It is envisaged that the international requirement for a Morse test will be removed following discussions at the 2002/2003 World Radio Conference. The introduction of the Class A/B Licence is an interim measure ..."  To view the full text of the press release (HTML format), click here.

US Technician Plus operators now have vastly greater privileges as visitors in many foreign countries than they do at home in the US!!!
The FCC has finalized reciprocal licensing participation in CEPT and the ARRL has begun issuing IARPs (International Amateur Radio Permits ... both CEPT reciprocal operation and IARPs grant holders of US Technician Plus and higher licenses FULL amateur privileges, INCLUDING HF while visiting in CEPT and CITEL signatory countries!!!   Sadly, holders of US Technician licenses gain only VHF privileges in CEPT/IARP countries and Novices gain no privileges at all, since there is no comparable CEPT/IARP license class.  For details on CEPT reciprocal operating and the FCC's Public Notice (in English, German, and French ... a copy of which must be in your possession, along with proof of US Citizenship and your FCC Amateur Radio License, in order to exercise these new privileges in CEPT countries) is available for download or printing by clicking here.  Information on getting an IARP is available here.

NCI has filed a formal response to the ARRL's 2nd ex parte presentation to the FCC in WT 98-143, in the form of a letter dated June 7, 1999, pointing out that the ARRL's assertion that "the state of limbo created by the current FCC Amateur Radio restructuring proceeding, WT Docket 98-143, is stifling Amateur Radio's growth, as current and prospective hams await an FCC Report and Order" is not the true cause of stagnation and decline in the ARS, but the real causes are antiquated Morse Code test requirements and an unnecessarily complex licensing structure.  The Commission was also reminded that the ARRL's proposal was the LEAST favored solution to restructuring in the body of comment in this proceeding.  Additionally, NCI also noted that it appeared that the ARRL's letter may have constituted an improper ex parte presentation, since no evidence of the disclosure memorandum required by the Commission's Rules in such "permit, but disclose" proceedings was found in the ECFS.  For an Adobe Acrobat .pdf copy of NCI's written ex parte presentation (letter) click on this link.    (For a .pdf copy of NCI's Memorandum of Ex Parte Presentation, as required under FCC Rules, click here.)

The ARRL has announced sending a written ex parte presentation to the FCC in WT 98-143 in the form of a letter, dated May 19, 1999, urging the FCC to "act without delay" and suggesting that the FCC "adopt the League's restructuring plan as its own in order to speed up the process," claiming that the lack of a Report & Order to date "is stifling Amateur Radio's growth." For a copy of the ARRL Bulletin announcing this move, click on this link.

The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) and the Radio Authority have announced a new class of HF license with significant privileges in the bands below 30 MHz and only a 5 wpm Morse code test!!!
This is MOST exciting news!  Let's hope that the FCC takes notice of this and acts in similar fashion in the Report and Order we're all waiting on from WT 98-143.  For a copy of the press release from the RSGB's web site, click here.

Here's a copy of the FCC's Report and Order in PR Docket No. 90-55, the Rulemaking Proceeding which established the no-code technician class.
Even back in 1990, the FCC obviously recognized the waning support for Morse testing, that passing a Morse test had no bearing on the quality of the applicant, and that Morse testing was a major cause of decline in the growth of amateur radio.  Reading this document now, as we await the R&O in WT 89-143, it's encouraging to see just how aware the FCC was back then that Morse was becoming less and less relevant as a licensing criterion.  Hopefully, the current Commission will remember and takes into account the vast changes that have occurred since then, as indicated by the body of comment in WT 98-143 which favored the elimination of Morse testing or a reduction to no more than 5 wpm for all classes of amateur license. Here's an Adobe Acrobat .pdf copy (26k) with somewhat better formatting.

IEEE publication The Institute carries article on the abandonment of Morse in the maritime services
The April 1999 issue of The Institute carried a front page article on the demise of Morse code in the maritime services.  A senior U.S. Coast Guard official was quoted as stating that Morse was "insufficient" as a means of communications in emergency situations and that many lives might have been saved if more modern emergency communications systems such as the GMDSS had been adopted earlier.  For excerpts of the relevant parts of the article and some additional comments thereon, follow this link.

Interesting excerpt from April 1999 QST article
Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, the FCC's "Chief Enforcer" recently spoke out on a number of issues in a QST article describing the FCC's enforcement efforts, monitoring network, and some of his personal views. We've excerpted a small portion where Mr. Hollingsworth voices some views we hope are quite common at the FCC.

NCI Directors Visit FCC Headquarters to make an "Ex Parte Presentation" on WT Docket No. 98-143, "the Restructuring NPRM."
Two members of NCI's Board of Directors traveled to Washington, D.C. on March 19th, 1999, to make a presentation outlining NCI's position on Morse Code testing and other license restructuring issues to FCC officials working on the anticipated "R&O" (Report & Order), which will outline the FCC's new rules for the Amateur Radio Service resulting from the NPRM.

NCI's Reply Comments on WT Docket No. 98-143 (the "Restructuring NPRM")
NCI also filed reply comments on behalf of its membership, again just before the filing deadline. The document can be viewed clicking on the link above to an Adobe Acrobat .pdf version (48kb). NCI also filed reply comments on behalf of its membership, again just before the filing deadline. The document can be viewed clicking on the link above to an Adobe Acrobat .pdf version (48kb).

NCI's Comments on WT Docket No. 98-143 (the "Restructuring NPRM")
NCI filed comments on behalf of its membership electronically on Nov. 30th, just one day before the filing deadline. Paper copies were also delivered to the FCC so that each of the Commissioners would receive a personal "courtesy copy." The document can be viewed clicking on the link above to an Adobe Acrobat .pdf version (32kb). NCI filed comments on behalf of its membership electronically on Nov. 30th, just one day before the filing deadline. Paper copies were also delivered to the FCC so that each of the Commissioners would receive a personal "courtesy copy." The document can be viewed clicking on the link above to an Adobe Acrobat .pdf version (32kb).

Aruba Amateur Radio Club Voices Support for No Code Test Policy
NCI has received word that Aruba's AARC supports the elimination of Morse testing as an international requirement for amateur licensing.

South African Radio League Supports New Morse Code Policy
The South Africa Radio League (SARL) favors an immediate reduction in Morse testing speed from 12 wpm to 5 wpm as interim compliance with S25.5 of the ITU Radio Regulations. This policy is reportedly favored by a majority of SARL's membership and the SARL is asking their regulatory authorities to immediately implement a full HF access license class with limited power output and only a 5 wpm Morse test.

FCC Releases Errata to NPRM
The Federal Communications Commission has released a collection of errata to the proposed rules changes published in the NPRM. This link points to an "HTML-ized" copy of those errata.

FCC Releases Part 97 Amateur Regulations Restructuring NPRM
The Federal Communications Commission has released the text of the long-awaited "Restructuring" NPRM on August 10, 1998. The full text of the NPRM and its appendices are available by following this link.

ARRL President Comments on the Need for Amateur Restructuring
ARRL President Rod Stafford, W6ROD, issued comments defending the League's proposal and outlining many of the reasons that modernization and restructuring are necessary for the future health of the Amateur Radio Service after receiving a significant number of e-mail messages regarding the ARRL's recent amateur restructuring proposal to the FCC.

NCI Sends Letter to FCC Outlining NCI's Recommendations for Amateur Restructuring
NCI's Board of Directors has responded to the ARRL's "Restructuring Proposal" by asking the FCC to adopt a slightly different approach, consisting of 3 license classes, a maximum Morse test speed of 5 wpm, and a "sunset clause" that would automatically terminate all Morse testing as soon as the ITU treaty is modified to delete the international requirement for Morse testing for licenses authorizing operation on frequencies below 30 MHz. NCI stated that the ARRL proposal, while certainly a step in the right direction, falls short of the mark in terms of meeting the modernization needs of the Amateur Radio Service as we prepare to enter the 21st century. (click here for an Adobe Acrobat .pdf version)

NCI's Board of Directors Comments on the ARRL's "Restructuring Proposal"
As reported above, the ARRL has forwarded a proposal for amateur license restructuring to the FCC. NCI's Board of Directors issued these comments to the members via the regular member e-mail bulletin.

ARRL License Restructuring Proposals Forwarded to FCC
As instructed by the Board of Directors at Minute 53 of its July meeting, ARRL General Counsel Christopher D. Imlay, W3KD, has submitted the ARRL restructuring plan to the FCC Commissioners. The plan was submitted in the form of a letter, with the request that it be considered in conjunction with an FCC staff draft Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that is now believed to be under consideration pursuant to a comprehensive Biennial Review of FCC regulations.

NCI "letter of introduction" to world radio administrations
NCI recently sent a "letter of introduction" to the radio administrations of nearly 100 countries with the purpose of explaining who we are, what our goals are, and promoting the goal of removing Morse testing requirements from their amateur regulations.

Here are some interesting historical facts about the international debate on code testing
Herwig Feichtinger, DC1YB, our NCI Director from Germany, has compiled this interesting collection of facts about the recent history of the code/no-code debate on the international front.

RSGB Changes Policy on Morse Code
The Radio Society of Great Britain has officially notified its members that its Council (Board of Directors) will no longer support retention of the mandatory manual Morse code proficiency requirement. The RSGB is the national Amateur Radio Society in the United Kingdom. Here is a copy of the broadcast that the RSGB made to its members on May 31, 1998. It was also published in the June 1998 issue of their monthly "RadCom" journal. The RSGB and the UK's Radiocommunications Agency are also engaged in talks aimed at liberalizing access to the HF ham band.

NCI's Formal Comments on RM-9259
The American Radio Relay League has asked the Federal Communications Commission to rule that amateur operators who operate in accordance with existing voluntary band plans are operating according to "...good amateur practice." Here is why NCI opposes that proposal! (click here for a .PDF version)

NCI's Reply Comments on RM-9259
Near the end of the prescribed 30 day public comment period, the ARRL filed its "Comments" with the FCC, criticizing the FCC's "mishandling" of the ARRL's Request for Declaratory Ruling and lashing out at the overwhelming body of comment in opposition to the ARRL's Request. NCI filed these Reply Comments in response to the ARRL's Comments. (click here for a .PDF version)

NCI's Comments on RM-9267
The Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC), an influential umbrella organization representing 22 mobile radio industry groups, has filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the FCC, asking that the bands 420-430 MHz and 440-450 MHz be immediately reallocated to the Private Mobile Radio Services. This link points to a copy of the Comments NCI filed in Opposition to the LMCC's Petition. (click here for a .PDF version)

Code Proficiency Used to Control Number of Amateur Radio Operators
Did you know that Morse Code proficiency was used as a filter to keep the number of ham operators low? Back in the mid-1930's, an ARRL official by the name of Clinton B. DeSoto suggested that the Amateur Service growth and the number of operators be controlled by increasing the code speed from the existing 10 words-per-minute. He suggested 12 and one-half wpm. But the FCC believed that speed would be "awkward" and changed it to 13 wpm.

Military Continues Morse Code Ban
A recent story in ARRL Letter said that MARS, the ham radio auxiliary for military communications, had reversed its ban on the use of Morse Code on military frequencies. This turns out not to be the case.

RAC Position on the Morse Code Requirement
The Radio Amateurs of Canada state their position on the international treaty provision requiring Morse Code proficiency, and why they think the treaty requirement is obsolete.

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