SB QST @ ARL $ARLB030
ARLB030 Interim SM Appointment Made in Virginia; Georgia SM Post
Becomes Vacant

ZCZC AG30
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 30 ARLB030
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 16, 2021
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB030
ARLB030 Interim SM Appointment Made in Virginia; Georgia SM Post
Becomes Vacant

The vacancy created by the untimely and unfortunate death of ARRL
Virginia Section Manager (SM) Joseph Palsa, K3WRY, will be filled in
the Virginia SM election scheduled to occur in January and February
2022. The winner of the SM election will assume office on April 1,
2022. Former Virginia SM Carl Clements, W4CAC, has been appointed by
ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY to temporarily fill
the position. Clements previously served as Virginia's SM from 2005
to 2006 and 2008 to 2015. Clements' appointment is effective
December 15, 2021.

Georgia ARRL SM Jim Millsap, K9APD, has resigned for personal
reasons, effective December 14. He has served since October 1. The
position stands vacant as the search for a replacement continues.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB031
ARLB031 David Benoist, AG4ZR, Appointed as ARRL Georgia Section
Manager

ZCZC AG31
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 31 ARLB031
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 22, 2021
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB031
ARLB031 David Benoist, AG4ZR, Appointed as ARRL Georgia Section
Manager

In consultation with ARRL Southeastern Division Director Mickey
Baker, N4MB, ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, has
appointed David Benoist, AG4ZR, to fill the vacant post of ARRL
Georgia Section Manager (SM), starting immediately.

Benoist, of Senoia, had previously served in the position from 2016
to 2021. The former Georgia ARRL SM, Jim Millsap, K9APD, resigned
for personal reasons, effective December 14, after serving since
October 1.

Benoist was the ARRL Georgia Section Emergency Coordinator from
March 2014 to 2016.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB032
ARLB032 ARRL to Oppose Forest Service Administrative Fees for
Amateur Facilities

ZCZC AG32
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 32 ARLB032
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 28, 2021
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB032
ARLB032 ARRL to Oppose Forest Service Administrative Fees for
Amateur Facilities

The US Forest Service is proposing to implement a statutorily
required annual fee for new and existing communications use
authorizations to cover the costs of administering its authorization
program. ARRL plans to vigorously oppose the imposition of the
proposed fees on Amateur Radio.

The Forest Service proposal results from requirements set forth in
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka "the Farm Bill").
Specifically, section 8705(c)(3)(b) of the Farm Bill directs the
Forest Service to issue regulations that require fees for issuing communications use authorizations based on the cost to the Agency
for maintenance or other activities to be performed by the Agency
"as a result of the location or modification of a communications
facility."

The Forest Service is responsible for managing Federal lands and
authorizes the use and occupancy of National Forest System (NFS)
lands for communications facilities that provide communications
services for adjacent rural and urban communities. The Agency said
in its proposal that it administers more than 3,700 special use
authorizations on NFS lands for infrastructure that supports more
than 10,000 wireless communications uses at 1,367 communications
sites.

According to the Forest Service Notice published in the December 22,
2021 issue of the Federal Register, revenues from the proposed fee,
"would provide the funds necessary to support a more modernized,
efficient, and enhanced communications use program," and will "cover
the costs of administering the Agency's communications use program."
Costs, as laid out in section 8705(f)(4) of the Farm Bill, may
include expenditures for such things as "on-site reviews of
communications sites, developing communications site management
plans, hiring and training personnel for the communications use
program, conducting internal and external outreach for and national
oversight of the communications use program, and obtaining or
improving access to communications sites on NFS lands."

ARRL encourages Amateur Radio licensees to file comments opposing
the imposition of the proposed administrative fee on Amateur Radio
users. Comments must be received in writing by no later than
February 22, 2022.

Comments may be submitted online at the Federal Rulemaking Portal
at, https://www.regulations.gov/ , or via USPS mail to Director,
Lands & Realty Management Staff, 201 14th Street SW, Washington, DC
20250-1124, and must include the identifier "RIN 0596-AD44."
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB004
ARLB004 New Section Manager Appointed for Northern New York

ZCZC AG04
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 4 ARLB004
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT January 18, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB004
ARLB004 New Section Manager Appointed for Northern New York

Thomas Dick, KF2GC, Section Manager for the ARRL Northern New York
Section, has stepped down after serving, first from 2000 - 2006 and
again from 2009 - present.

ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, has appointed Rocco
Conte, WU2M, of Gloversville, New York, to succeed him on an interim
basis. Conte has served as an Assistant Section Manager and District
Emergency Coordinator for the last several years. His appointment
became effective January 17, 2022.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB005
ARLB005 Amateur Operation in 3.45 - 3.5 GHz Segment Must Cease by
April 14, 2022

ZCZC AG05
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 5 ARLB005
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT January 19, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB005
ARLB005 Amateur Operation in 3.45 - 3.5 GHz Segment Must Cease by
April 14, 2022

The FCC has established April 14, 2022, as the date by which amateur
radio transmissions must stop in the upper 3.45 - 3.5 GHz segment of
the amateur secondary 9-centimeter band. Secondary operations are
permitted to continue indefinitely in the remainder of the band, 3.3
- 3.45 GHz, pending future FCC proceedings.

On January 14 the FCC released DA 22-39, which announces the results
of Auction 110 for the 3.45 - 3.55 GHz band. Release of this notice
triggered FCC rules adopted last year requiring that amateur radio
operations between 3.45 GHz and 3.5 GHz cease within 90 days of the
public notice.

DA 22-39 can be found online at,

https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-winning-bidders-345-ghz- service-auction/attachment-a

(above URL all on one line).

In October 2021, ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, urged Congress
to direct the FCC to preserve Amateur Radio's secondary use of the 3
GHz band in a written statement responding to H.R. 5378, the
Spectrum Innovation Act of 2021, before the US House Commerce
Communications and Technology Subcommittee.

A chronology of actions responding to amateur access on the 3.5 GHz
band can be found on the ARRL website at,
http://www.arrl.org/3-ghz-band .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB018
ARLB018 FCC Grants an ARRL Emergency Request to Permit Higher Data
Rate Transmissions for Hurricane Relief Communications

ZCZC AG18
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 18 ARLB018
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT September 28, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB018
ARLB018 FCC Grants an ARRL Emergency Request to Permit Higher Data
Rate Transmissions for Hurricane Relief Communications

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted an ARRL
emergency request for a 60-day temporary waiver intended to
facilitate amateur radio emergency communications for hurricane
relief. The waiver was adopted on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, and
immediately permitted amateur radio operators supporting amateur
data transmission for Hurricane Ian traffic to employ a higher
symbol rate for data transmissions than the current limit of 300
baud.

In its Order (DA 22-1011), the FCC concluded "that granting the
requested waiver is in the public interest. Puerto Rico was recently
hit by Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian is predicted to cause
significant damage, including disruption to electricity and
communications services. Thus, to accommodate amateur radio
operators assisting in the recovery efforts, we grant the ARRL's
waiver request for the period of 60 days from the date of this Order
to operate in any parts of the United States and its territories
impacted by hurricanes. The waiver is limited to amateur radio
operators in the United States and its territories using publicly
documented data protocols that are compatible with FCC rules, with
the exception of the data rate limit waived here, for those directly
involved with HF hurricane relief communications."

ARRL's request stated that trained amateur radio operators are
working with emergency management officials and relief organizations
to assist with disaster relief communications in anticipation of the
arrival on the Gulf Coast of Hurricane Ian. ARRL sought the waiver
for Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) volunteers, and other
amateur radio support groups working with federal, state, and local
emergency management officials to assist with disaster relief.

Pursuant to ARRL's request and similar to written waivers granted by
the FCC in earlier years, to qualify, a protocol or mode exceeding
the 300 baud symbol rate limit must (1) be publicly documented, (2)
use no more bandwidth than the currently permissible slower
protocols (generally accepted to be the bandwidth of an SSB signal,
or 2.8 kHz), and (3) be used solely for communications related to
hurricane relief.

Section 97.307(f) of the FCC's rules prevents the use of certain
protocols capable of higher data rate emissions in the High
Frequency (HF) bands that many amateur stations active in emergency communications preparedness are capable of using. ARRL described
that equipment they plan to use exceeds the 300 baud symbol limit
and that the higher data rates are critical in sending relief
communications. Many use radio modems and personal computers capable
of using digital protocols and modes that would permit faster
messaging rates than normally permitted under the FCC's rules. ARRL
pointed out that higher data rates can be critical to timely
transmission of relief communications, such as lists of needed and
distributed supplies.

ARRL also explained that radio amateurs using higher-speed emissions
for hurricane-related messages in the United States and its
territories must be able to communicate with similar stations in the
US, possibly with Caribbean-based stations that are directly
involved with hurricane relief efforts, and also with Federal
stations on the five channels in the 5 MHz band involved with the
SHARES network and other interoperability partners on those
frequencies.

ARRL also pointed out that the past FCC temporary waivers have
allowed such protocols in similar events including Hurricanes Maria,
Dorian, Laura, and Ida, typhoon relief communications in Hawaii, and
wildfires in the western areas of the US.

In 2016, in response to an ARRL petition for rulemaking, the FCC
proposed to remove the symbol rate limitations, which it tentatively
concluded had become unnecessary due to advances in modulation
techniques and no longer served a useful purpose. That proceeding,
WT Docket 16-239, is still pending.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB019
ARLB019 New Wyoming Section Manager Appointed

ZCZC AG19
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 19 ARLB019
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT October 31, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB019
ARLB019 New Wyoming Section Manager Appointed

Garth Crowe, WY7GC, was appointed as the new ARRL Wyoming Section
Manager on October 12, 2022. He replaced Rick Breininger, N1TEK, who
announced he was stepping down following the Rocky Mountain Division
Convention held in early October. Breininger served as the Wyoming
Section Manager since April 2019.

ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, officially appointed
Crowe after consultation with Rocky Mountain Division Director Jeff
Ryan, K0RM. Crowe previously served as Wyoming Section Manager from
2009 until 2015. He will now serve for the remaining portion of
Breininger's term, which runs through March 31, 2023.

Nominating petitions for the next Wyoming Section Manager term of
office, beginning April 1, 2023, are due at ARRL Headquarters no
later than December 9, 2022.

Visit "Section Manager Terms & Nomination Information" on the ARRL
website at http://www.arrl.org/section-terms-nomination-information
for more details.

The Wyoming Section is part of the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division,
which includes Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB020
ARLB020 W1AW 2022 Winter Operating Schedule

ZCZC AG20
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 20 ARLB020
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT November 7, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB020
ARLB020 W1AW 2022 Winter Operating Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time Mode Days
------------------- ---- ---------
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWs Wed, Fri
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWf Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1500 UTC to 2045 UTC - (10 AM to 3:45 PM EST)

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2100 UTC (4 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
2100 " " CWs Tue, Thu
2200 " (5 PM EST) CWb Daily
2300 " (6 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
0000 " (7 PM EST) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
0000 " " CWf Tue, Thu
0100 " (8 PM EST) CWb Daily
0200 " (9 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
0245 " (9:45 PM EST) VOICE Daily
0300 " (10 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
0300 " " CWs Tue, Thu
0400 " (11 PM EST) CWb Daily


Frequencies (MHz)
-----------------
CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 50.350 147.555 DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 50.350 147.555
VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 50.350 147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
bulletins.

DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
schedule.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian
Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
digital frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, CW/digital bulletins and phone
bulletin is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server
named "W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented
here as well. The audio is sent in real-time and runs concurrently
with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
or comments to w1aw@arrl.org .

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
CW on the half hour.

All licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 2045
UTC (10 AM to 3:45 PM EST). Be sure to bring a reference copy of
your current FCC amateur radio license.

The weekly W1AW and monthly West Coast Qualifying Runs are sent on
the normal CW frequencies used for both code practice and bulletin transmissions. West Coast Qualifying Run stations may also use 3590
kHz.

The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 28 in the
November 2022 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB022
ARLB022 Eastern Massachusetts Section to Welcome New Section
Manager; Incumbent Section Managers were Reelected

ZCZC AG22
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 22 ARLB022
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT November 21, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB022
ARLB022 Eastern Massachusetts Section to Welcome New Section
Manager; Incumbent Section Managers were Reelected

Jon McCombie, N1ILZ, will become Section Manager (SM) of the ARRL
Eastern Massachusetts Section on January 1, 2023. McCombie, of
Eastham, was the only nominee to submit a petition to run for office
when the nomination period closed in early September. As the sole
nominee, he has been declared elected.

This past year, McCombie has been Assistant SM to Tom Walsh, K1TW,
who has been the SM of the Eastern Massachusetts Section for the
last 8 years. Walsh, of Bedford, decided not to run for a fifth
2-year term of office.

There were no balloted elections during this Fall season's SM
election cycle. The following incumbent SMs ran unopposed, and they
were declared reelected, beginning their new 2-year terms of office
on January 1: Cecil Higgins, AC0HA (Missouri); Matt Anderson, KA0BOJ (Nebraska); Jim Mezey, W2KFV (New York City-Long Island); Rocco
Conte, WU2M (Northern New York); Marc Tarplee, N4UFP (South
Carolina); Tom Preiser, N2XW (Southern New Jersey); Michael Douglas,
W4MDD (West Central Florida), and Joe Shupienis, W3BC (Western
Pennsylvania).
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB023
ARLB023 New General Question Pool Released for Ham Radio Licensing
Effective July 1, 2023

ZCZC AG23
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 23 ARLB023
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 12, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB023
ARLB023 New General Question Pool Released for Ham Radio Licensing
Effective July 1, 2023

The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators' (NCVEC)
Question Pool Committee (QPC) has released the 2023 - 2027 General
Class FCC Element 3 Syllabus and Question Pool to the public. The
new General Question Pool is effective July 1, 2023, through June
30, 2027.

The new pool incorporates some significant changes compared to the
2019 - 2023 version. Its 432 questions were modified slightly to
improve wording and to replace distractors; 51 new questions were
generated, and 73 questions were eliminated. This resulted in a
reduction of 22 questions, bringing the total number of questions in
the pool down from 454. The level of difficulty of questions is more
balanced, and the techniques and practices addressed have been
updated.

The pool is available as a Microsoft Word document and PDF online
at, http://www.ncvec.org/page.php?id=369 . The single graphic
required for the new General Question Pool is available within the
documents, or separately as PDF and JPG file formats.

"The newly revised pool must be used for General-class license exams
starting July 1, 2023," said ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM,
who is a member of the NCVEC Question Pool Committee. "New test
designs will be available to ARRL Volunteer Examiners on that date.
The ARRL VEC will supply its officially appointed, field-stocked VE
teams with new General exam booklet designs around mid-June."

General class examination candidates preparing for their exams using
the 9th edition of The General Class License Manual, and/or the 6th
edition of ARRL's General Q & A are encouraged to test by, or
before, June 30, 2023. New editions of ARRL licensing publications
will be available in May, for exams taken on, or after, July 1,
2023.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB025
ARLB025 Rep. Lesko Introduces Bill to Replace Symbol Rate Limit with
Bandwidth Limit

ZCZC AG25
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 25 ARLB025
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 23, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB025
ARLB025 Rep. Lesko Introduces Bill to Replace Symbol Rate Limit with
Bandwidth Limit

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) introduced a bill in the U.S.
House of Representatives (H.R. 9664) on December 21, 2022, to
require that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) replace the
current HF digital symbol rate limit with a 2.8 kHz bandwidth limit.

After being petitioned by ARRL, The National Association for Amateur
Radio, in 2013 (RM-11708) for the same relief, in 2016 the
Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (WT Docket No.
16-239) in which it agreed that the HF symbol rate limit was
outmoded, served no purpose, and hampered experimentation. But the
Commission questioned whether any bandwidth limit was needed in its
place. Most amateurs, including the ARRL, objected to there being no
signal bandwidth limit in the crowded HF bands given the possibility
that unreasonably wide bandwidth digital protocols could be
developed, and since 2016 there has been no further FCC action.

In conjunction with introducing the legislation, Congresswoman Lesko
stated that "With advances in our modern technology, increased
amounts of data can be put on the spectrum, so there is less of a
need for a regulatory limit on symbol rates. I am pleased to
introduce this important piece of legislation to update the FCC's
rules to support the critical role amateur radio operators play and
better reflect the capabilities of our modern radio technology."

ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, hailed introduction of the bill.
Roderick stated that "the FCC's delay in removing this outdated
restriction has been incomprehensible, given that the biggest effect
of the delay is to require totally inefficient spectrum use on the already-crowded amateur HF bands. I hope that the Commission will
act to remove this harmful limitation without waiting for the bill
to be passed."

ARRL Legislative Committee Chairman John Robert Stratton, N5AUS,
added that "the symbol rate limit hampers experimentation and
development of more efficient HF data protocols by U.S. amateurs.
For all practical purposes the field has been ceded to amateurs
outside the U.S., where there is no comparable limit. Removing the
restriction not only will allow U.S. amateurs to use the most
efficient data protocol suitable for their purpose, but it also will
promote and incentivize U.S. amateurs to experiment with and develop
even more efficient protocols."
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB026
ARLB026 Rep. Bill Johnson Introduces Bill to Eliminate Private Land
Use Restrictions on Amateur Radio

ZCZC AG26
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 26 ARLB026
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 24, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB026
ARLB026 Rep. Bill Johnson Introduces Bill to Eliminate Private Land
Use Restrictions on Amateur Radio

Congressman Bill Johnson (OH-6) introduced a bill in the U.S. House
of Representatives (H.R.9670) on Thursday, December 22, 2022, to
eliminate private land use restrictions that prohibit, restrict, or
impair the ability of an Amateur Radio Operator from operating and
installing amateur station antennas on property subject to the
control of the Amateur Radio Operator.

The exponential growth of communities subject to private land use
restrictions that prohibit both the operation of Amateur Radio and
the installation of amateur station antennas has significantly
restricted the growth of the Amateur Radio Service. These
restrictions are pervasive in private common interest residential
communities such as single-family subdivisions, condominiums,
cooperatives, gated communities, master-planned communities, planned
unit developments, and communities governed by community
associations. The restrictions have particularly impacted the
ability of Amateur Radio to fulfill its statutorily mandated duty of
serving as a voluntary noncommercial emergency communications
service.

Congress in 1996 directed the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) to promulgate regulations (Public Law 104-104, title II,
section 207, 110 Stat. 114; 47 U.S.C. 303 note) that have preempted
all private land use restrictions applicable to exterior
communications facilities that impair the ability of citizens to
receive television broadcast signals, direct broadcast satellite
services, or multichannel multipoint distribution services, or to
transmit and receive wireless internet services. ARRL attempts to
obtain similar relief for Amateur Radio were rejected by the FCC
with a statement such relief would have to come from Congress.

ARRL Legislative Advocacy Committee Chairman John Robert Stratton,
N5AUS, noted that Congress, in 1994 by Joint Resolution, S.J.Res.90/H.J.Res.199, declared that regulations at all levels of
government should facilitate and encourage the effective operation
of Amateur Radio from residences as a public benefit. He continued
by stating that "H.R.9670, the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness
Act, is intended to fulfill that mandate and preserve the ability of
Amateur Radio Operators to continue to serve as a key component of
American critical communications infrastructure."

ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and Mr. Stratton both extended
on behalf of the ARRL, its Members, and the Amateur Radio community
their thanks and appreciation for the leadership of Rep. Johnson in
his tireless efforts to support and protect the rights of all
Amateur Radio Operators.

The full text of the bill in PDF format is available online at,

https://www.arrl.org/files/file/HR9670/ HR9670-Amateur-Radio-Emergency-Preparedness-Act.pdf

(Above URL all on one line).

NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB001
ARLB001 W1AW 2023 Winter Operating Schedule

ZCZC AG01
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 1 ARLB001
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT January 3, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB001
ARLB001 W1AW 2023 Winter Operating Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time Mode Days
------------------- ---- ---------
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWs Wed, Fri
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWf Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1500 UTC to 2045 UTC - (10 AM to 3:45 PM EST)

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2100 UTC (4 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
2100 " " CWs Tue, Thu
2200 " (5 PM EST) CWb Daily
2300 " (6 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
0000 " (7 PM EST) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
0000 " " CWf Tue, Thu
0100 " (8 PM EST) CWb Daily
0200 " (9 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
0245 " (9:45 PM EST) VOICE Daily
0300 " (10 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
0300 " " CWs Tue, Thu
0400 " (11 PM EST) CWb Daily


Frequencies (MHz)
-----------------
CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 50.350 147.555 DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 50.350 147.555
VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 50.350 147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM 
CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
bulletins.

DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
schedule.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian
Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
digital frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, CW/digital bulletins and phone
bulletin is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server
named "W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented
here as well. The audio is sent in real-time and runs concurrently
with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
or comments to w1aw@arrl.org .

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
CW on the half hour.

All licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 2045
UTC (10 AM to 3:45 PM EST). Be sure to bring a reference copy of
your current FCC amateur radio license.

The weekly W1AW and monthly West Coast Qualifying Runs are sent on
the normal CW frequencies used for both code practice and bulletin transmissions. West Coast Qualifying Run stations may also use 3590
kHz.

The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 96 in the
January 2023 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB002
ARLB002 Bud Kozloff, W1NSK, Appointed as ARRL Connecticut Section
Manager

ZCZC AG02
QST de W1AW 
ARRL Bulletin 2 ARLB002
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT January 9, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB002
ARLB002 Bud Kozloff, W1NSK, Appointed as ARRL Connecticut Section
Manager

Bud Kozloff, W1NSK, has been appointed as the ARRL Connecticut
Section Manager starting on January 1, 2023.

Kozloff, who lives in Redding, Connecticut, is currently the
president of the Candlewood Amateur Radio Association and a member
of the Yankee Clipper Contest Club. He was appointed by ARRL Field
Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, after consulting with New
England Division Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC. His term of office
continues through September 30, 2024.

Kozloff takes the reins of the Connecticut Section Field
Organization from Betsey Doane, K1EIC, who was appointed by ARRL
Headquarters as the Connecticut Section Manager in November 2022 to
fulfill the role on a temporary basis until a full-time Section
Manager could be appointed.

Doane, of Shelton, was previously the Connecticut Section Manager
for 25 years from 1991 to 2016. Chuck Motes, K1DFS, of Plainville,
served as Connecticut's Section Manager for the last 6 years. He
decided not to run for a new term of office when his third term
concluded on September 30, 2022.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB003
ARLB003 Leadership Changes in ARRL Atlantic Division

ZCZC AG03
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 3 ARLB003
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT February 3, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB003
ARLB003 Leadership Changes in ARRL Atlantic Division

The ARRL Atlantic Division has new leadership. Tom Abernethy, W3TOM,
who had served as an ARRL Director, representing the Atlantic
Division since 2015, stepped down on January 6, 2023.

Vice Director Robert "Bob" Famiglio, K3RF, of Media, Pennsylvania,
is the new Division Director. ARRL Section Manager for Maryland/DC
Marty Pittinger, KB3MXM, of Owings Mills, Maryland, has been
appointed Vice Director by ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR.

Famiglio was initially Atlantic Division Vice Director from 2015
until 2017, appointed in 2019 to fill a vacancy, and then elected
unopposed for a term beginning in 2021. A practicing lawyer, he has
served as an ARRL Volunteer Council for decades. Famiglio is also an
electrical engineer and former broadcast station owner and engineer.
He is an FAA-certificated pilot. He is a Life Member of the
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). He earned
his amateur radio license in 1967, and is an ARRL Life Member.

In an email to the Atlantic Division members in early January,
Abernethy said he still plans to be involved, stating, "After having
served for over 20 years in ARRL elected offices, it is my intention
to remain very active in support of ARRL, and I wish everyone all
the best as we head into the future of amateur radio and ARRL."

Pittinger was the Section Manager for Maryland/DC, one of seven ARRL
Sections that make up the Atlantic Division. He has an extensive
background in radio, served in the US Navy on submarines, and works
for a federal agency in his professional life.

Assistant Section Manager and Affiliated Club Coordinator for
Maryland/DC, Christopher D. Van Winkle, AB3WG, has been appointed
Section Manager by ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY.

Famiglio and Pittinger will each serve the remainder of 3 year terms
ending December 31, 2023.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB004
ARLB004 W1AW 2023 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule

ZCZC AG04
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 4 ARLB004
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT March 13, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB004
ARLB004 W1AW 2023 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time Mode Days
------------------- ---- ---------
1300 UTC (9 AM EDT) CWs Wed, Fri
1300 UTC (9 AM EDT) CWf Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1400 UTC to 1945 UTC - (10 AM to 3:45 PM EDT)

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2000 UTC (4 PM EDT) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
2000 " " CWs Tue, Thu
2100 " (5 PM EDT) CWb Daily
2200 " (6 PM EDT) DIGITAL Daily
2300 " (7 PM EDT) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
2300 " " CWf Tue, Thu
0000 " (8 PM EDT) CWb Daily
0100 " (9 PM EDT) DIGITAL Daily
0145 " (9:45 PM EDT) VOICE Daily
0200 " (10 PM EDT) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
0200 " " CWs Tue, Thu
0300 " (11 PM EDT) CWb Daily


Frequencies (MHz)
-----------------
CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 50.350 147.555 DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 50.350 147.555
VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 50.350 147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
bulletins.

DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
schedule.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2230 UTC (6:30 PM EDT), Keplerian
Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
digital frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
0000 UTC (8 PM EDT) Thursdays and 0000 UTC (8 PM EDT) Fridays.

Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, and CW/digital/phone bulletins
is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server named
"W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented here as
well. The CW/digital/phone audio is sent in real-time and runs
concurrently with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
or comments to w1aw@arrl.org .

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
CW on the half hour.

FCC licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1400 UTC to 1945
UTC (10 AM to 3:45 PM EDT) Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring
a reference copy of your current FCC amateur radio license.

The weekly W1AW and monthly West Coast Qualifying Runs are sent on
the normal CW frequencies used for both code practice and bulletin transmissions. West Coast Qualifying Run stations may also use 3590
kHz.

The complete W1AW Operating Schedule may be found on page 28 in the
March 2023 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB005
ARLB005 ARRL Announces Leadership Changes in the Hudson Division

ZCZC AG05
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 5 ARLB005
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT March 29, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB005
ARLB005 ARRL Announces Leadership Changes in the Hudson Division

ARRL Director Ria Jairam, N2RJ, who has represented the Hudson
Division since 2019, has stepped down, effective March 31, 2023, at
5 PM Eastern.

Vice Director Nomar Vizcarrondo, NP4H, of Englewood, New Jersey,
will accede to the Director's chair. Vizcarrondo, who earned his
amateur radio license in 1978 at the age of 11, will serve as
Director for the remainder of a 3-year term ending December 31,
2024. He was appointed as Vice Director of the Hudson Division in
February 2022, following the retirement of previous Vice Director
William Hudzik, W2UDT, who held the position from 2011 to 2022.

ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, will announce a successor to
Vizcarrondo to fill the vacant Vice Director's seat. The ARRL Hudson
Division is comprised of the ARRL Sections of Eastern New York, New
York City - Long Island, and Northern New Jersey.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB006
ARLB006 ARRL Advocates for Radio Amateurs as FCC Proposes Changes to
60-Meter Band

ZCZC AG06
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 6 ARLB006
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT April 28, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB006
ARLB006 ARRL Advocates for Radio Amateurs as FCC Proposes Changes to
60-Meter Band

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments
about changing the secondary allocation available to radio amateurs
on 60 meters. The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
on April 21, 2023, that deals with the band. In a prior petition,
ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio, urged protecting
the existing use of the band by amateurs when adding a new
allocation adopted internationally.

Currently, radio amateurs in the US have access to five discrete
channels on a secondary basis: 5332 kHz, 5348 kHz, 5358.5 kHz, 5373
kHz, and 5405 kHz. Users of these channels are limited to an
effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 W PEP.

The FCC proposes to allocate 15 kHz of contiguous bandwidth between
5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz on a secondary basis with a maximum power of 15
W EIRP (equivalent to 9.15 W ERP). This allocation was adopted at
the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15).

The federal government is the primary user of the 5 MHz spectrum.
The government's manager of spectrum use, the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), has
expressed support for implementing the allocation as adopted at
WRC-15. Doing so would result in amateurs losing access to four of
the five discrete channels, and power limits would be reduced from
100 W ERP to 9.15 W ERP. However, it would provide access to a new
contiguous 15 kHz band that includes one of the current five
channels.

In 2017, ARRL petitioned the FCC to keep the four 60-meter channels
that fall outside the new band, as well as the current operating
rules, including the 100 W PEP ERP limit.

The ARRL petition stated, "Such implementation will allow radio
amateurs engaged in emergency and disaster relief communications,
and especially those between the United States and the Caribbean
basin, to more reliably, more flexibly, and more capably conduct
those communications."

ARRL said that years of amateur radio experience using the five
discrete channels have shown that amateurs can coexist with primary
users at 5 MHz while complying with the regulations established for
their use. The petition also stated, "Neither ARRL, nor, apparently,
NTIA, is aware of a single reported instance of interference to a
federal user by a radio amateur operating at 5 MHz to date."

In the NPRM, the FCC recognizes that Canada has already adopted
60-meter allocations and related rules that align with those
proposed by ARRL. The Commission wrote, "Finally, we note that
Canada has essentially implemented the same rules as ARRL has
requested." The NPRM can be found online at, https://www.fcc.gov/ .

The FCC proposed to allocate the 15 kHz bandwidth but stopped short
of making a proposal on whether the existing channels should remain
allocated to amateur radio and what the power limitations should be.
They requested comments on their proposal and the related channel
and power issues.

Comments will be due 60 days after the NPRM is published in the
Federal Register, which is expected within the next two weeks.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB009
ARLB009 ARRL Hudson Division has New Vice Director

ZCZC AG09
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 9 ARLB009
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 5, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB009
ARLB009 ARRL Hudson Division has New Vice Director

Ed Wilson, N2XDD, of Shirley, New York has been appointed Vice
Director of the ARRL Hudson Division by ARRL President Rick
Roderick, K5UR.

Wilson succeeds Nomar Vizcarrondo, NP4H, who was appointed Director
of the ARRL Hudson Division in March. Wilson will serve in the
position for the remainder of the 3-year term that ends December 31,
2024.

Having developed an interest in radio as a child, Wilson has been
active in projects that developed new digital protocols for amateur
radio.

Wilson has served as an Emergency Coordinator and Public Information
Officer and is accredited as a Volunteer Examiner.

The ARRL Hudson Division is comprised of the ARRL Sections of
Eastern New York, New York City - Long Island, and Northern New
Jersey.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB007
ARLB007 Section Manager Update: Austin Elected, Bigley Re-elected,
Gendron Appointed

ZCZC AG07
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 7 ARLB007
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT May 30, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB007
ARLB007 Section Manager Update: Austin Elected, Bigley Re-elected,
Gendron Appointed

The results of two balloted Section Manager elections held this
spring were determined when the ballots were counted at ARRL
Headquarters on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

John Bigley, N7UR, incumbent Section Manager of the ARRL Nevada
Section, was re-elected when he received 277 votes, and Jim
Shepherd, W6US, of Sparks, received 177 votes. Bigley, of Las Vegas,
has been serving as Section Manager since 2015 and has held other
ARRL Field Organization and club leadership positions for more than
20 years. Bigley's new 2-year term of office starts July 1.

Nancy Austin, KC1NEK, was elected as ARRL Rhode Island Section
Manager when she received 129 votes, and incumbent Section Manager
Bob Beaudet, W1YRC, received 127 votes.

Austin, of Middletown, is the President of the Newport County Radio
Club, and she will begin a 2-year term of office on July 1.

Beaudet, of Cumberland, has served as ARRL Rhode Island Section
Manager for 21 years.

The following incumbent Section Managers were the only nominees in
their respective Sections when the nomination period closed on March
10, and were declared re-elected. Their new 2-year terms of office
begin July 1: Chris Van Winkle, AB3WG (Maryland-DC); Peter Stohrer,
W1FEA (New Hampshire); Bob Buus, W2OD (Northern New Jersey); John
Litz, NZ6Q (San Joaquin Valley); Pat Malan, N7PAT (Utah), and Dale
Durham, W5WI (West Texas).

ARRL has named John Gendron, NJ4Z, as the South Carolina Section
Manager. He will complete the term of Marc Tarplee, N4UFP, who
passed away after a brief illness.

Gendron, an Amateur Extra-class operator, is President of the York
County Amateur Radio Society (YCARS) and a member of the Swamp Fox
Contest Group. In addition to being an avid contester and DX chaser,
Gendron enjoys participating in Parks on the Air. He has earned
numerous ARRL awards, including the Worked All States and Triple
Play Worked All States awards, and is closing in on 5-Band DXCC.

Gendron also hosts a YouTube channel, called "From the Hamshack." In
2022, he became the 55th recipient of the Vic Clark Roanoke Division
ARRL Service Award, the Division's highest honor.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB008
ARLB008 ARRL Elected to Serve on SAFECOM

ZCZC AG08
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 8 ARLB008
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 2, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB008
ARLB008 ARRL Elected to Serve on SAFECOM

ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio has been elected to
serve on SAFECOM. SAFECOM is a group of national thought leaders and
officials within the emergency communications and response space
that works to set standards used at every level. The program is
managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
(CISA), an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security.

SAFECOM sets the standards of interoperability procedures, and ARRL
being a part of the group solidifies the Amateur Radio Service as a
robust resource before and during times of crisis.

In a letter from SAFECOM Chair, Chief Gerald R Reardon said "On
behalf of the SAFECOM Executive Board, it is with great pleasure
that I inform you of our offer to join SAFECOM as a member
association. SAFECOM aims to improve multi-jurisdictional and
intergovernmental communications interoperability through
collaboration with emergency responders and policymakers across
federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and international
partners. SAFECOM recognizes the organization's dedication to
emergency communications and interoperability, and therefore is
pleased to extend a membership offer."

ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, said
"Gaining a seat at the table is a major step in strengthening the
role and capability of Amateur Radio with emergency communication
agencies. This will give us the sounding board and resources we need
to set standards and create training for our Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES) volunteers that will better suit AHJ's (Agencies
Having Jurisdiction) and partner organizations." The opportunity
for ARRL to provide a more comprehensive Emergency Communications
program is part of the goal the Board and ARRL leadership has begun
to emphasize over the past few years, and this is one more example
of the commitment to do so. ARRL will provide premier resources for
the served agencies to support them in all phases of Emergency
Management.

Johnston will serve as the Representative for ARRL on SAFECOM and
will be meeting with that leadership over the coming days to begin
the process of better understanding all the roles and
responsibilities that come with being a member association. "I look
forward to working with the SAFECOM leadership as we move forward
and with the ARRL Leadership to better serve the Ham community and
our Served Agencies and Partners." Johnston said.

For more information about ARES and other ARRL Emergency Programs
and training visit our web page at: http://arrl.org/public-service .

For more information about SAFECOM go to:
https://www.cisa.gov/safecom .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB014
ARLB014 FCC ULS System Restored

ZCZC AG14
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 14 ARLB014
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 27, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB014
ARLB014 FCC ULS System Restored

The FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) has resumed operations,
including the Electronic Batch Filing system (EBF).

As of June 27, 2023, all systems have been reported to be working.
However, visitors to the website will see a message referring them
to Public Notice DA 23-529 for additional information and guidance
on filing deadline extensions.

The systems were first reported unavailable on June 9, 2023. On
Friday afternoon, June 23, the EBF system was restored. All VEC
organizations use that system for filing exam sessions, individual applications, and club license applications. ARRL VEC staff worked
late into Friday night to ensure all backlogged sessions and
application files were transmitted to the FCC before the weekend.
Approximately 350 backlogged files were successfully submitted to
and processed by the FCC before the system's normal shutdown at 8
PM.

ARRL is still monitoring the ULS system, and any further updates
will be available at ARRL News.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB015
ARLB015 Commercial Interests Petition FCC for High Power Allocation
on Shortwave Spectrum

ZCZC AG15
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 15 ARLB015
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT July 12, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB015
ARLB015 Commercial Interests Petition FCC for High Power Allocation
on Shortwave Spectrum

The ad hoc group "Shortwave Modernization Coalition" petitioned the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow data communications
on multiple bands within the HF 2 - 25 MHz range with up to 20 KW,
including in bands immediately adjacent to spectrum allocated to the
Amateur Radio Service. This group appears to represent high-speed
stock trading interests.

The FCC has assigned it RM-11953. Comments are due by July 31, 2023,
and reply comments by August 15.

While the petitioners exclude the amateur bands, high power
operations on immediately adjacent bands are proposed. The ARRL is
reviewing the petition.

A copy of the petition can be found in PDF format at: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1042840187330/1 .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB010
ARLB010 FCC Universal Licensing System Applications Are Unavailable

ZCZC AG10
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 10 ARLB010
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 14, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB010
ARLB010 FCC Universal Licensing System Applications Are Unavailable

The FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS), which includes Electronic
Batch Filing (EBF) used by VECs for new and upgrade license
submissions and club license applications, Application Search,
License Search, License Manager system used for filing applications
directly with the FCC, Tower Construction Notification System, E-106
System, Antenna Structure Registration Online Filing and searches,
TOWAIR and all ULS Specialized Searches, are currently down.

The FCC's EBF and License Manager Filing systems have stopped
accepting and processing all amateur radio exam session files and
applications. The EBF system has not processed any VEC license
applications and examination session files since Monday afternoon.
The other systems have not been available since Friday June 9 at the
close of business.

ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said her office contacted the
FCC staff, which said systems are down due to maintenance but did
not estimate how long the systems would be down. "As soon as the FCC
staff corrects the EBF system problem, we will immediately file the
backlog via the automated system, which would take only a few hours
or less to release," Somma estimated. When the License Manager
system is again available, amateurs will be able to file license
renewals, vanity call sign applications, and other license updates
online directly with the FCC.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB011
ARLB011 Legislation to Remove Private Land Use Restrictions on
Amateur Radio Introduced in Congress

ZCZC AG11
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 11 ARLB011
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 14, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB011
ARLB011 Legislation to Remove Private Land Use Restrictions on
Amateur Radio Introduced in Congress

Congressmen Bill Johnson (OH-06) and Joe Courtney (CT-02)
reintroduced a bill in the US House of Representatives on June 12 -
H.R.4006 - to remove private land use restrictions that prohibit,
restrict, or impair the ability of Amateur Radio operators from
operating and installing reasonable antennas on property that they
own or control. Similar legislation, H.R. 9670, was introduced by
Congressman Johnson in 2022.

The full text of the bill can be found in PDF format at, https://billjohnson.house.gov/uploadedfiles/amateur_radio_emergency_ preparedness_act_signed_bill_text.pdf

(above URL all on one line)

"I reintroduced the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act to
remove barriers to disaster and emergency communications and
training, and to promote education in STEM subjects related to
critically needed wireless technology," Congressman Johnson said in
a release. "Passage of this bill will promote developing and
sustaining our nation's wireless future and facilitate and encourage
amateur radio operations as a public benefit."

"As their actions during recent natural disasters such as Hurricane
Sandy proved, amateur radio operators in Connecticut can be a
critical component of disaster response and emergency management. It
is in our communities' best interest that we give them the
capabilities to operate at the highest level, and with the
re-introduction of this bill, we've taken a strong step in that
direction," said Congressman Courtney.

The exponential growth of communities bound by private land use
restrictions that prohibit both the operation of Amateur Radio and
the installation of amateur station antennas has significantly
restricted the growth of the Amateur Radio Service.

The ARRL continues its multi-year efforts to eliminate private land
use restrictions that prevent Amateur Radio operations and has
pledged to strongly support Congressman Johnson and Congressman
Courtney in their efforts on behalf of Amateur Radio.

Rick Roderick, K5UR, President of ARRL, on behalf its Members and
America's Amateur Radio community extended his thanks and
appreciation for the leadership of Congressman Johnson and
Congressman Courtney in their tireless efforts to support and
protect the rights of all Amateur Radio Operators and to further
STEM education and the advancement of American expertise in wireless technology.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB012
ARLB012 Updated: FCC ULS Unavailable, Filing Deadlines Extended

ZCZC AG12
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 12 ARLB012
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 15, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB012
ARLB012 Updated: FCC ULS Unavailable, Filing Deadlines Extended

In an email to all VECs, the FCC indicated that a Public Notice was
issued by the Commission on June 13, 2023:

FCC Public Notice DA 23-506: UNIVERSAL LICENSING, TOWER
CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION, E-106, AND ANTENNA STRUCTURE REGISTRATION
SYSTEMS UNAVAILABLE; FILING DEADLINES EXTENDED

The FCC Public Notice can be seen at: https://www.fcc.gov/document/uls-tcns-e-106-and-asr-unavailable-filing- deadlines-extended-0

(above URL all on one line).

The notice states that the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS),
Tower Construction Notification System (TCNS), E-106 System, and
Antenna Structure Registration System (ASR) have been unavailable
since approximately 6:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, June 9, due to
technical issues that the agency anticipates resolving in the near
term.

Further the FCC is extending deadlines for regulatory filings in ULS
and ASR because parties have not and will not be able to make
electronic filings or view the contents of the affected systems
while they are unavailable. Therefore the FCC is extending the
filing deadlines for all regulatory filings that needed to be or
will need to be made in these systems starting June 9, 2023 and
until the Commission announces ULS operations, for at least three
business days after access to the systems resumes.

The FCC's Commission Registration (CORES) System used to pay fees is
unaffected and will remain operational and available to pay any
regulatory fee or application fee payments during this period.

The FCC ULS systems affected that are used by amateurs are the
Electronic Batch Filing (EBF) used by VECs for new and upgrade
license submissions and club license applications, Application
Search, License Search, and the License Manager system used for
filing applications directly with the FCC.

At this time, the FCC has stated they do not have a target for the
ULS systems to be back online.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB013
ARLB013 FCC ULS Reopened, Except Electronic Batch Filing System

ZCZC AG13
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 13 ARLB013
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 22, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB013
ARLB013 FCC ULS Reopened, Except Electronic Batch Filing System

On Wednesday morning, June 21, 2023, the FCC had reopened the
Universal Licensing System (ULS) and supporting systems, according
to an email distributed to VEC organizations. However, as of 4:00 PM
on Wednesday, the Electronic Batch Filing (EBF) system, used by VEC organizations for filing exam sessions, individual applications, and
club license applications, was still not available as promised.
Unfortunately, this means applications for new and upgraded
licenses, and individual and club license filings still cannot be
uploaded in the system for issuance.

When the EBF system becomes available, the Commission is requesting
VECs to limit submissions into the filing system. In an email sent
by the FCC, all EBF filers were asked to adhere to a restricted
upload schedule in order to keep the EBF system stable and to avoid
any potential technical problems. The FCC will be monitoring to
ensure the EBF system is stable during this reopening period. If
they assess that the upload volume is too high, they will send out
another notice with directions to reduce the amount of uploads per
hour.

ARRL VEC will comply with the FCC directive, limiting our
transmissions but sending as many backlogged sessions as possible
without overloading their system. The files will be submitted to the
FCC in the order in which they were received, starting with the
files from Monday, June 12, and moving forward from there. ARRL VEC
will begin submitting the backlogged applications as soon as the EBF
system becomes available, and assuming all FCC systems remain
stable.

In an FCC notice published on June 21, 2023 (please see, https://www.fcc.gov/document/uls-tcns-e-106-and-asr-available), the
Commission provided a deadline extension for filings in the ULS and
the Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) system, explaining,
"Because parties could not make electronic filings or view the
contents of the affected systems while they were unavailable, we are
extending the deadlines for all regulatory filings that were due in
the affected systems between June 9, 2023, and June 29, 2023, until
Friday, June 30, 2023.

"We note that we have provided for a longer extension for these
filings than initially contemplated in the June 13 Public Notice in anticipation of high traffic volumes on these systems in the coming
days. In that regard, we encourage filers to consider deferring
discretionary filings this week, and we encourage filers preparing
large submissions to coordinate in advance with [the] staff of the
Bureaus."
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB016
ARLB016 Filers Seek Extension on Shortwave Petition. ARRL to File
Comments.

ZCZC AG16
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 16 ARLB016
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT August 1, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB016
ARLB016 Filers Seek Extension on Shortwave Petition. ARRL to File
Comments.

Since May, ARRL has been reviewing the rules proposed in a petition
before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from the
"Shortwave Modernization Coalition" (SMC). The ARRL Laboratory has
been studying the petition out of concern for potential interference
to Amateur Radio communications.

Comments on the petition, RM-11953, were due to FCC by July 31, 2023

(see,
https://www.arrl.org/news/commercial-interests-petition-fcc-for-high- power-allocation-on-shortwave-spectrum ) .

(above URL all on one line)

However, a 30-day extension of time was requested by both Skywave
Networks LLC and FlexRadio Systems.

The timely request from Skywave automatically triggered an extension
to the filing deadline. Under FCC rules, when a request for
extension is made within the appropriate timeframe, commenters may
file comments until a date set by FCC when it rules on the extension
request, or no earlier than two business days after the FCC
decision. On Monday, July 31, the FCC denied the request for
extension. Comments therefore may continue to be filed through
Wednesday, August 2.

In its petition, SMC, a group that appears to represent high-speed
stock trading interests, has proposed amending the FCC Part 90 rules
to allow introduction of high-power digital communications to the
shortwave spectrum that in many instances is immediately adjacent to
the amateur HF bands.

ARRL's comments on the matter will be based on the analysis by its
laboratory and guided by its experienced Washington, D.C. regulatory
affairs counsel. ARRL will use the extension to best represent the
interests of its members and the Amateur Radio Service.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)