Alun wrote in message . ..

Remind me Jim, what do FISTS propose?

You can read the entire FISTS proposal at:

http://www.fists.org/FIST_FCC_Petition_8-30-303.pdf

It can be summed up in six major points:

1) Techs get Tech Plus HF privileges without a code test (which
effectively merges the two license classes)

2) Techs allowed all digital modes on HF.

3) Extra code test made 12 wpm

4) No retesting at the same VE session

5) Improved written exams (see petition for details)

6) All the rest of the existing rules stay as-is (no free upgrades,
Tech remains entry-level exam, etc.)

The FAR/RAF proposal was obviously written in response to the ARRL
one, and the two of them are much more alike than they are to the
FISTS proposal.

Given that they are an organisation
for the promotion of CW, I have trouble beleiving that they would suggest
anything that is actually responsive to the removal of the international CW
test requirement, but I could be wrong(?).

Note that under the FISTS proposal Techs would not have to take a code
test to get Novice/Tech Plus HF.

Note also that the vast majority of individuals commenting supported
this
proposal, and that agreement among FISTS members was in excess of 98%.

Will FCC enact all of it? Maybe not, but if you don't ask you never
get.

73 de Jim, N2EY