SB QST @ ARL $ARLB100
ARLB100 WRC99 Committee Supports HF CW Requirement

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ARRL Bulletin 100  ARLB100
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  December 20, 1996
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB100
ARLB100 WRC99 Committee Supports HF CW Requirement

The special committee created by the ARRL to study issues relating
to the 1999 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-99) has
recommended that the ARRL Board of Directors not support changing
the treaty requirement for Morse code testing to operate below 30
MHz.  The committee submitted its final report to the ARRL Board
this week.

The committee report contains recommended ARRL positions regarding
possible changes in Article S25 of the international radio
regulations.  Consistent with the results of a survey of ARRL
members, the committee recommended no change in the existing treaty
obligation that administrations test prospective amateur licensees
on their Morse code ability before authorizing them to operate below
30 MHz.  The committee did support changes to Article S25 that
would:

Eliminate the so-called ''banned countries'' list

Establish that providing communications in the event of natural
disasters is a normal and desirable part of the international
service provided by radio amateurs

Reduce restrictions on international communications
on behalf of third parties

Aid in the establishment of an ''International Amateur Permit.''

The committee report also responded to the Board's request that it
study possible changes to the amateur licensing structure in the
United States.  The committee offered some proposals for change, but
recommended that the Board take no action on this part of its report
until the committee's proposals are shared with the membership and
there is an opportunity for member comment.

The Board will consider the committee's report and recommendations
at its next regular meeting, January 17-18, 1997.  If the Board
accepts the report, it will be available for public release.  An
article giving the results of the survey will appear in February
1997 QST.
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