It's 100% official:

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_publi...C-06-178A1.pdf


High points:

1) Element 1 is completely removed as a license test requirement.

2) All Technicians and Technician Pluses, regardless of code-test
status, get Novice/Tech Plus HF privileges.

3) No other licensees gain or lose any privileges.

4) Except for removal of references to Element 1, no changes to written
tests or license credits.

5) Changes go into effect 30 days after the R&O is published in the
Federal Register. That means no sooner than Jan 19, 2007, and possibly
somewhat later.

6) The 80 meter automated data subband moves from 3620-3635 to
3585-3600 kHz, as requested by ARRL in their recent Petition for
Reconsideration, correcting an obvious mistake in the previous R&O. No
other obvious typos or oversights.

---

Some observations:

- The elimination of Element 1 will allow non-Morse-Code-tested
Technicians on parts of four HF amateur bands. Ironically, most of
those HF privileges will be Morse Code.

- The role of CSCEs will be greatly decreased. Unless the written exams
are not passed in order, passing any exam results in an upgrade. All
CSCEs will do in the future is to allow immediate use of new privs for
the short time until the FCC database is updated, and in the case where
someone passes Element 3 without passing Element 2, or passes Element 4
without passing both Element 2 and Element 3.

- While there may be one or more Petitions for Reconsideration, IMHO
the FCC will simply deny them.


73 es KC de Jim, N2EY