http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/02/22/102/?nc=1

ARRL Seeks Comments on New HF Digital Protocol
NEWINGTON, CT, Feb 22, 2007 -- The ARRL is seeking comments from
amateurs concerning development of an open-source (non-proprietary)
data communications protocol suitable for use by radio amateurs over
high-frequency (HF) fading paths. This is not a Request for Proposals
(RFP). An RFP may or not be forthcoming depending on evaluation of the
information received.

Specifically, the League is asking for comments and information on the
following issues:

Access Method: Is Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
the best candidate technology, or should other competitive
technologies be considered?

Data Rate and Bandwidth: What data rates/throughputs are achievable at
various bandwidths up to 3 kHz bandwidth?

Adaptivity: What adaptive features should be considered, such as
automatic adjustment of transmitter power, modulation waveform and
coding, in order to maximize throughput and efficiency in two-way
contacts?

Robustness: What is achievable for reliable operation at power levels
typical in the Amateur Radio Service and low signal/noise and
interference ratios?

Error control: What are the appropriate applications of error control
suitable for HF channels? For example, how should Repeat reQuest (ARQ)
and Forward Error Control (FEC) be applied to two-way contacts and one-
to-many (roundtable and bulletin) transmissions?

Activity Detection: What is an effective method of determining whether
a frequency is busy prior to transmission?

Operating System: What operating systems (such as Windows or Linux)
are appropriate for Amateur Radio use with this protocol?

Hardwa What practical and affordable hardware platforms are
suitable for amateur stations? Consider the use of personal computers
with or without sound cards. Provide any information about the need
for an additional "box" if needed.

Please provide the following with your response: (1) name of
respondent, (2) respondent's contact information, (3) related
experience, and (4) type of respondent: (individual, partnership,
corporation or group). Do not include proprietary information as part
of your response.

Post, fax or e-mail your response by 1900 UTC, May 15, 2007, to ARRL
Chief Technology Officer Paul Rinaldo, W4RI, 3545 Chain Bridge Rd --
Suite 209, Fairfax, VA 22030; Fax: 703-934-2079.