The FCC database derived numbers can be inconclusive, because the "new/
upgrade" numbers are masked by expirations, giving a "net" number.

Here are some interesting numbers compiled by NCVEC just from test/
upgrade-paper numbers are "bare" of the influence of expirations.

These numbers compare the period of Jan 1 to March 25 of this year
(2007) vs. last year (2006)


New Tech (2006) 4685 (2007) 6565 Change = +40%
New/Upgraded Generals (2006) 945 (2007) 7395 Change = +683%
New/Upgraded Extras (2006) 775 (2007) 1910 Change = +146%

73, de Hans, K0HB