U S A. FCC TO DEREGULATE AMATEUR RADIO BY 2008:
Washington, DC, April 1, 2004:

In a bold move the Federal Communications Commission has decided to
deregulate the Amateur Radio Service. This comes at a time when budget
cuts within the Commission are forcing its Enforcement Bureau to shut
down by 1 January 2005.

A spokesperson for the Commission stated that since Amateur Radio
operators are supposed to be self-policing that this new move "should
not pose a problem". And that it would also "solve the whole issue of
restructuring".

This news has come as quite a shock to many in the Amateur Radio
community, striking up many heated debates. "Basically we're being
told that we're on our own as of 1 January, 2008", said a high-level
League staff member.

In the interim between 2004 and 2008 Amateur Radio operators are
expected to act just as they do now. "Nothing's changed yet, and all
the rules and regulations are still in effect," said a spokesperson
for the Commission.

All of this is set to change however, starting in 2008. On 1 January
2008 Amateur Radio in the United States will cease to exist as an
official radio service. At that time it will be up to the operators to
make up their own rules and regulations and to enforce them.

To clarify one other issue, "call signs that have not already been
issued will all be available on the 'honor system'," said another
Commission spokesperson. The band-plans and power limitations are
expected to stay the same.

Look for more information on this late-breaking news story as it
becomes available.
http://www.eham.net/articles/8063?eh...1d5551c910add7

On another note... If you're still reading this, April Fools!!! :^)
(via Mike Terry, DXLD)
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Ha Ha!

Steve
Holland, MI
Drake R7, R8 and R8B