"Robert Casey" wrote in message
nk.net...


If the FCC does that, then they need to head directly on over to W1AW,
and do the exact same.


Maybe I'm nieve(sp), but I thought the guys at W1AW would
move up or down the band some to avoid QRMing someone
(that they can hear, there is a rule saying "listen before
you transmit"). Hams know to look up or down the band
if they don't find W1AW on the expected frequency.

Bob - Perhaps the ARRL has an update to their position in 1988.
ak
-------------------------------
From ARRL to the Bermuda ham representative,
copied to Baxter, the IARU Secretary, and the FCC.

May 13, 1988
----------------------

Rather than wait to have you ask, I thought I should provide some
clarification of the letter dated May 4 that you have been sent by Glenn
Baxter, K1MAN.

Mr. Baxter states, "Our amateur broadcast practice 1s Identical to that of
W1AW." I believe he is referring to the practice of transmitting bulletins
without first ensuring that the frequencies to be used are clear of other
amateur communications. As has been discussed on occasion In QST, W1AW
transmits simultaneously on eight frequencies 1n as many amateur bands. The
bulletin transmitters are crystal-controlled, a limitation we hope will be
remedied shortly. The number of frequencies being used simultaneously, and
the technical limitations of the equipment now in use, make it impossible to
adjust the transmitter frequencies before a bulletin is to be transmitted;
the need to adhere to the published bulletin schedule precludes delaying the
broadcasts until the particular frequency is clear.

However, we are not unmindful of the need to minimize the impact of bulletin
transmissions upon ongoing amateur communications, particularly in the
crowded voice subbands. To that end, except in the event of a communications
emergency, voice bulletins are transmitted only twice a day by W1AW and are
limited to just a few minutes; the exact length of the bulletins depends on
the amount of news to be conveyed. Bulletins are not sent simply to fill out
a predetermined length of time.

I believe it 1s fair to say that our understanding of Section 97.113(d)(2)
of the FCC Rules is somewhat different from Mr. Baxter's. This Section,
which explains one of the exceptions to the general prohibition of
broadcasting in the Amateur Radio Service, provides that "Information
bulletins consisting solely of subject matter relating to amateur radio" are
not considered broadcasting. W1AW operations conform to a narrow
interpretation of this provision.

Accordingly, IARN and W1AW practice are far from "identical."

Finally, I should mention that there is no recent "FCC ruling" having any
relevance whatsoever to "frequency coordination" outside of the bands
available for repeater or auxiliary operation. It follows that no one has
"authority" to perform such coordination in the name of the FCC or, for that
matter, any other entity. Cooperation in the efficient use of the limited
amateur spectrum is essential, but by definition, cooperation is not a
one-way street.

73,
David Sumner, K1ZZ
ARRL Executive Vice President