"Chuck...K1KW" wrote in message
news:HG2Pb.89209$5V2.165673@attbi_s53...
And to really improve HF operations on ham radio...we must get rid of the
archaic mode divisions on each band. I would like to see us have the same
privileges as the rest of the world's amateurs enjoy....or are we not good
enough???


As I mentioned in one of the other newsgroups, we need to divisions to
protect us from our own rudeness. I just don't see us as being that good in
following voluntary band plans in the heat of a contest or whatever.
Excluding Japan, the US has more amateurs than the rest of the world
combined. The rest of the world isn't too good about following band plans
in contest either.

I exclude the Japanese as many of their licenses are for quite low power.
In addition, many of the Japanese are inactive. They were licensed as kids
and since they issue them for life, they stay in the database forever.

It is only the 40m band that is inconvenient with the current splits but the
first steps to correct the situation have already taken place. Last
summer's international treaty changes have directed broadcasters to move out
of 7.1 to 7.2 and it will be allocated exclusively to amateurs world wide.
I forget the implementation date though. However, perhaps eventually ITU
regions 1 and 3 will eventually enjoy the extended 40m privileges that we
have here in region 2 as amateurs continue to work on this issue.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE