"Alun" wrote in message
...
snip
Several countries around the world have moved, or are moving, forward
to
eliminate the Morse Code testing requirement while the United States
sits back and watches.

What's the count now?

I think they include at least the UK, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, the
Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Australia (not until
Jan 1st). New Zealand may actually do it before Australia, as they have
said it would be before the end of the year, but have given no date. I am
pretty sure I have missed a couple out, too.

See the list at:

http://www.rsgb.org/licensing/nomorse.htm

How many countries have eliminated the code test, vs. how many have
retained it so far?

Most do still retain it, but I think this has far more to do with
bureaucracy than intent

The changes to government regulations, in the USAand in many other
countries, take time. Did Jim expect an overnight change in the 100+
countries? Frankly, I'm pretty amazed at the ones that have been able to
do so on such a short time interval.

Is this the actions of a modern, progressive, country with feet planted
firmly on today and eyes on the future?

What does all that mean, exactly? Besides the removal of the last
remaining vestige of code testing?

It's time to move on, Jim.

To what?

Let's say that tomorrow FCC just dumps Element 1. One sentence:
"Element 1 is waived for all applicants, pending revision of the
rules". Could happen, y'know.

Bring it on!!!

Probably will

What happens next?

Lots of upgrades, plus no-coders on 10m the next day

Works for me. Anyone see a problem in that?

Cheers,
Bill K2UNK