Radio Amateur KC2HMZ wrote in message . ..

In fact, it looks to me as if the code test has one foot out the door
and the other on a banana peel, whether you or I or anyone else likes
it or not, so this entire debate in rrap is rather pointless. Let's
find something worthwhile to discuss in this NG...like for example,
how do we refarm the subbands once there's no longer any need for 'em?

Big mistake there, John.

Ironically, the ONLY two "CW Only" subbands in ANY US Amateur
allocation are in the 6 and 2 meter bands. Even more ironic is the
amount of time NCT folks have "debated" the need for CW on HF, yet not
a single person, NCT or otherwise, to my knowledge, has ever
challenged those VHF segments...

Loooooooong after the requirement for code testing has slipped
past us, there will be a lasting need for NARROWBAND subbands, John.
PACTOR, AMTOR, PSK31, RTTY, and a host of other digital modes populate
those segments. THOSE folks will be no more willing to face an influx
of voice operators than CW ops would be.

Furthermore, the elimination of code testing will NOT eliminate
the presence of code USERS for some time to come.

Once the code test has been eliminated, I expect we can see an
increase in not only voice users, but digital mode operation will
increase too. So while we can expect a gradual decrease in the number
of stations employing CW, we will simultaneously see an influx of
folks who will need those "digital" allocations.

So don't get your hopes up, KC2HMZ, that the end of code testing
will open 20 meters up from end to end for yakkity-yakers. The
dynamics of Amateur HF practice exceed the code issue significantly.

Steve, K4YZ