On Fri, 25 Jul 2003 00:48:08 -0700, Keith
wrote:

Dwight, There is no way for anyone to know if a tech license has passed a
morse code test and all techs have voice privileges for 28.3-28.5 MHz.

First of all, all Techs do not have the voice privileges you
mentioned. Only Techs with Element 1 credit have those privileges.

As for your assertion that there is no way for anyone to know the
difference - Sure there is. Those who passed the test have:

1. A license (even if it's expired) in his/her name showing a class
that had the code test as a requirement, OR

2. A Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) for
Element 1, OR

3. Both.

Consider this: hams do not live, or operate, in a vaccuum. Other
people who live near you know who you are. Chances are that they also
know whether you're a no-code Tech or one who has passed a code test.
If not, they can always ask you, and ask to see proof of having
Element 1 credit.

Now, there may be no legal requirement for you to show it to them, BUT
you see, anyone with code credit will be proud of that fact and
happily show proof of having it...so if you refuse, all anyone has to
do is advise FCC that you were heard on HF and refused to provide
proof of having qualified for HF privileges when asked to do so. At
that point, FCC sends you a letter asking to see proof of your having
passed a code test. Refuse to prove to FCC that you have operating
authority to operate where you were operating, and you leave yourself
wide open to FCC enforcement action up to including the revocation of
your license, a hefty fine, confiscation of your equipment...get the
idea? Ham radio is not like CB where nobody cares whether you follow
the rules or not. The amateur radio service is self-policing. When
other hams hear you operating beyond the authority granted to you by
your license, they WILL blow you in to FCC, period.

What is the FCC going to do run around and check every tech license holder?

No running around necessary. You get a letter in the mail. You either
respond to the letter or face the consequences.

Besides would you rather give up ten meters to truckers and CBers?

The 10m band is in no danger of being reallocated to CB. Beyond that,
there is no difference as far as I'm concerned between unlicensed
pirates operating on a ham band and hams operating beyond the
authority of their licenses. Both are operating where they have no
authority to operate. Full stop, end of story.

DE John, KC2HMZ