Dwight Stewart wrote in message ...
"N2EY" wrote:

OK, I'll bite.

What need did code testing serve in the past
that does not exist today?

Before you say "other services used it", note
that many if not most hams had little chance
of ever being part of those other services when
they used Morse. For example, people over a
certain age, or with certain physical
conditions, would never be accepted in the
military.


It served a need from the ITU's and FCC's perspectives.

Some of us would say it still does. All a matter of opinion.

And, yes, it did
have to do with the fact that other services used it - the pool of trained
operators concept in 97.1 of the CFR.

That "pool" thing is in Part 97, not ITU-R

However, it says "pool of trained operators" right? Not "pool of
trained CW/Morse operators". So it applies as a general reason for the
service to exist, not as a reason for code testing.

Since the services we serve don't use
code anymore, code simply no longer serves that need.

If it ever did. And amateur radio does not exist to serve other
services.

The "pool of trained operators" thing in 97.1 is really about the idea
of the ARS being a service where the licensees (hams) are skilled both
operationally and technically, able to do a lot of different things
well. This distinguishes it from other services, which usually involve
various types of certified equipment, channelized operation, and the
participation of both specialized professionals and unskilled users.
Look at cell phones - lots of specialized technology and technical
people do the hardware, so that the user doesn't have to know anything
other than how to "dial" a number. Heck, some users don;t even realize
their "phone" is actually a radio transceiver.

That only leaves code
use by ham operators for enjoyment.

And public service.

That doesn't warrant a unique license
requirement (unique compared to the other modes).

Your opinion noted. Others' opinions differ.

Besides, everything hams do is either "for enjoyment" or public
service. Does that mean none of it should be tested?

73 de Jim, N2EY