SB QST @ ARL $ARLB024
ARLB024 The 2021 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is Just Ahead

ZCZC AG24
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 24 ARLB024
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT September 23, 2021
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB024
ARLB024 The 2021 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is Just Ahead

The weekend of October 2 - 3 is designated for holding the annual
ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET), although local and
Section-level exercises may take place throughout the Fall. The SET
is ARRL's primary national emergency exercise and is designed to
assess the skills and preparedness of Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES) volunteers, as well as those affiliated with other
organizations involved in emergency and disaster response.

The SET encourages maximum participation by all radio amateurs,
partner organizations, and national, state, and local officials who
typically engage in emergency or disaster response. In addition to
ARES volunteers, those active in the National Traffic System (NTS),
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), National Weather
Service (NWS) SKYWARN, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and
a variety of other allied groups and public service-oriented radio
amateurs are needed to fulfill important roles in this nationwide
exercise.

The SET offers volunteers an opportunity to test equipment, modes,
and skills under simulated emergency conditions and scenarios.
Individuals can use the time to update a "go-kit" for use during
deployments and to ensure their home station's operational
capability in an emergency or disaster. To get involved, contact
your local ARRL Emergency Coordinator or Net Manager.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB025
ARLB025 Georgia Gets a New Section Manager; Re-Elected SMs Begin New
Terms on October 1

ZCZC AG25
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 25 ARLB025
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT September 29, 2021
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB025
ARLB025 Georgia Gets a New Section Manager; Re-Elected SMs Begin New
Terms on October 1

Jim Millsap, K9APD, will become the ARRL Georgia Section Manager
(SM) on Friday, October 1. Millsap, of Acworth, was the only
candidate who applied by the June 4 nomination deadline. Millsap has
been an ARRL Emergency Coordinator and District Emergency
Coordinator. He also served as the ARRL Southeastern Division Vice
Director from 2012 to 2014. Outgoing SM David Benoist, AG4ZR, of
Senoia, decided not to run for a new term after serving since
November 2016.

These incumbent SMs faced no challengers in the Summer election
cycle and will also begin new 2-year terms of office on October 1:
Robert Wareham, N0ESQ (Colorado); Diana Feinberg, AI6DF (Los
Angeles); Carol Milazzo, KP4MD (Sacramento Valley); Bill Hillendahl,
KH6GJV (San Francisco); Stuart Wolfe, KF5NIX (South Texas); Monte
Simpson, W7FF (Western Washington), and Dan Ringer, K8WV (West
Virginia).

Eastern Washington Section Manager Jo Whitney, KA7LJQ, was also the
only nominee when the June 4 nomination deadline arrived. Whitney,
of Yakima, was initially scheduled to start her elected term of
office on October 1. However, she was appointed to start her term of
office on July 1, when outgoing SM Jack Tiley, AD7FO, stepped down
before the completion of his term.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB026
ARLB026 W1AW 2021/2022 Winter Operating Schedule

ZCZC AG26
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 26 ARLB026
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT November 9, 2021
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB026
ARLB026 W1AW 2021/2022 Winter Operating Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time Mode Days
------------------- ---- ---------
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWs Wed, Fri
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWf Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1500 UTC to 2045 UTC - (10 AM to 3:45 PM EST)

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2100 UTC (4 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
2100 " " CWs Tue, Thu
2200 " (5 PM EST) CWb Daily
2300 " (6 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
0000 " (7 PM EST) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
0000 " " CWf Tue, Thu
0100 " (8 PM EST) CWb Daily
0200 " (9 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
0245 " (9:45 PM EST) VOICE Daily
0300 " (10 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
0300 " " CWs Tue, Thu
0400 " (11 PM EST) CWb Daily

Frequencies (MHz)
-----------------
CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 50.350 147.555 DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 50.350 147.555
VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 50.350 147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
bulletins.

DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
schedule.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian
Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
digital frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, CW/digital bulletins and phone
bulletin is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server
named "W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented
here as well. The audio is sent in real-time and runs concurrently
with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
or comments to w1aw@arrl.org .

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
CW on the half hour.

All licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 2045
UTC (10 AM to 3:45 PM EST). Be sure to bring a reference copy of
your current FCC amateur radio license.

The weekly W1AW and monthly West Coast Qualifying Runs are sent on
the normal CW frequencies used for both code practice and bulletin transmissions. West Coast Qualifying Run stations may also use 3590
kHz.

The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 28 in the
November 2021 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB030
ARLB030 Interim SM Appointment Made in Virginia; Georgia SM Post
Becomes Vacant

ZCZC AG30
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 30 ARLB030
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 16, 2021
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB030
ARLB030 Interim SM Appointment Made in Virginia; Georgia SM Post
Becomes Vacant

The vacancy created by the untimely and unfortunate death of ARRL
Virginia Section Manager (SM) Joseph Palsa, K3WRY, will be filled in
the Virginia SM election scheduled to occur in January and February
2022. The winner of the SM election will assume office on April 1,
2022. Former Virginia SM Carl Clements, W4CAC, has been appointed by
ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY to temporarily fill
the position. Clements previously served as Virginia's SM from 2005
to 2006 and 2008 to 2015. Clements' appointment is effective
December 15, 2021.

Georgia ARRL SM Jim Millsap, K9APD, has resigned for personal
reasons, effective December 14. He has served since October 1. The
position stands vacant as the search for a replacement continues.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB032
ARLB032 ARRL to Oppose Forest Service Administrative Fees for
Amateur Facilities

ZCZC AG32
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 32 ARLB032
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 28, 2021
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB032
ARLB032 ARRL to Oppose Forest Service Administrative Fees for
Amateur Facilities

The US Forest Service is proposing to implement a statutorily
required annual fee for new and existing communications use
authorizations to cover the costs of administering its authorization
program. ARRL plans to vigorously oppose the imposition of the
proposed fees on Amateur Radio.

The Forest Service proposal results from requirements set forth in
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka "the Farm Bill").
Specifically, section 8705(c)(3)(b) of the Farm Bill directs the
Forest Service to issue regulations that require fees for issuing communications use authorizations based on the cost to the Agency
for maintenance or other activities to be performed by the Agency
"as a result of the location or modification of a communications
facility."

The Forest Service is responsible for managing Federal lands and
authorizes the use and occupancy of National Forest System (NFS)
lands for communications facilities that provide communications
services for adjacent rural and urban communities. The Agency said
in its proposal that it administers more than 3,700 special use
authorizations on NFS lands for infrastructure that supports more
than 10,000 wireless communications uses at 1,367 communications
sites.

According to the Forest Service Notice published in the December 22,
2021 issue of the Federal Register, revenues from the proposed fee,
"would provide the funds necessary to support a more modernized,
efficient, and enhanced communications use program," and will "cover
the costs of administering the Agency's communications use program."
Costs, as laid out in section 8705(f)(4) of the Farm Bill, may
include expenditures for such things as "on-site reviews of
communications sites, developing communications site management
plans, hiring and training personnel for the communications use
program, conducting internal and external outreach for and national
oversight of the communications use program, and obtaining or
improving access to communications sites on NFS lands."

ARRL encourages Amateur Radio licensees to file comments opposing
the imposition of the proposed administrative fee on Amateur Radio
users. Comments must be received in writing by no later than
February 22, 2022.

Comments may be submitted online at the Federal Rulemaking Portal
at, https://www.regulations.gov/ , or via USPS mail to Director,
Lands & Realty Management Staff, 201 14th Street SW, Washington, DC
20250-1124, and must include the identifier "RIN 0596-AD44."
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB004
ARLB004 New Section Manager Appointed for Northern New York

ZCZC AG04
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 4 ARLB004
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT January 18, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB004
ARLB004 New Section Manager Appointed for Northern New York

Thomas Dick, KF2GC, Section Manager for the ARRL Northern New York
Section, has stepped down after serving, first from 2000 - 2006 and
again from 2009 - present.

ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, has appointed Rocco
Conte, WU2M, of Gloversville, New York, to succeed him on an interim
basis. Conte has served as an Assistant Section Manager and District
Emergency Coordinator for the last several years. His appointment
became effective January 17, 2022.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB006
ARLB006 Section Manager Election Results Announced

ZCZC AG06
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 6 ARLB006
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT February 24, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB006
ARLB006 Section Manager Election Results Announced

Two Section Manager elections were held during the winter season,
and the ballots were counted at ARRL Headquarters on Tuesday,
February 22.

In Virginia, Jack R. Smith, KE4LWT, of Ruckersville received 889
votes, and Terry Buzzard, KA8TNF, of Virginia Beach, received 412
votes. Smith was declared elected and will begin his first 2-year
term on April 1. Smith has served as an Assistant Section Emergency
Coordinator for the last 2 years. He will take the reins of the
Virginia Field Organization from Carl Clements, W4CAC. Clements was
appointed in mid-December 2021 as interim Section Manager after the
untimely and unfortunate death of Section Manager Joe Palsa, K3WRY.

In North Carolina, Marvin Hoffman, WA4NC, of Boone, the incumbent
Section Manager, received 1,235 votes, and Tony Jones, N4ATJ, of
McAdenville, received 257 votes. Hoffman was declared re-elected and
will begin his second term on April 1, 2022.

These incumbent Section Managers faced no opposition and were
declared re-elected and will begin new terms on April 1: George
Miller, W3GWM (Eastern Pennsylvania); John Fritze, K2QY (Eastern New
York); John Mark Robertson, K5JMR (Louisiana); Joe Speroni, AH0A
(Pacific); Dave Kaltenborn, N8BKC (San Diego), and Chris Stallkamp,
KI0D (South Dakota).
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

ZCZC AG07
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 7 ARLB007
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT February 24, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB007
ARLB007 FCC: Amateur Service Licensees May Not Use Radio Equipment
to Commit Criminal Acts

The FCC Enforcement Bureau has re-issued an earlier reminder that
licensees in the Amateur Radio Service, as well as licensees and
operators in the Personal Radio Services are prohibited from using
radios in those services to commit or facilitate criminal acts. The
FCC did not indicate what, if anything, prompted the renewed
Enforcement Advisory or if it was just a routine announcement.

The Enforcement Advisory can be found in PDF format online at, https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-181A1.pdf .

"The Bureau recognizes that these services can be used for a wide
range of permitted and socially beneficial purposes, including
emergency communications and speech that is protected under the
First Amendment of the US Constitution," the FCC said. "Amateur and
Personal Radio Services, however, may not be used to commit or
facilitate crimes."

As it did in advisories in 2021, the Enforcement Bureau is reminding
amateur licensees that they may not transmit, "communications
intended to facilitate a criminal act" or "messages encoded for the
purpose of obscuring their meaning."

"Likewise, individuals operating radios in the Personal Radio
Services, a category that includes Citizens Band radios, Family
Radio Service walkie-talkies, and General Mobile Radio Service, are
prohibited from using those radios "in connection with any activity
which is against Federal, State or local law.

"Individuals using radios in the Amateur or Personal Radio Services
in this manner may be subject to severe penalties, including
significant fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and, in some
cases, criminal prosecution.

"To report a crime, contact your local law enforcement office or the
FBI," the FCC advised.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB008
ARLB008 ARRL Seeks Exemption from Proposed US Forest Service
Communication Facility Fees; Comment Period to be Re-Opened Through
March 31

ZCZC AG08
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 8 ARLB008
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT February 28, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB008
ARLB008 ARRL Seeks Exemption from Proposed US Forest Service
Communication Facility Fees; Comment Period to be Re-Opened Through
March 31

ARRL has filed comments with the US Forest Service (USFS) seeking an
exemption for amateur radio facilities to a proposed new 1400 dollar
annual administrative fee. The USFS proposal resulted from
requirements in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka "the
Farm Bill"), which directs the Forest Service to collect fees for
issuing communications use authorizations based on the cost to the
agency for processing the applications, maintenance, and other
related activities. These fees would be in addition to annual rental
and cost-recovery fees already being collected.

ARRL's comments can be found online at, https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FS-2022-0001-0749 .

On February 24, the Forest Service filed a Notice in the Federal
Register that the comment filing window will be re-opened on March 1
and additional comments will be accepted through March 31. Any radio
amateurs missing the first comment period or wishing to add to their
earlier comments are encouraged to do so during this additional
period.

"Although the discussion put forward by the Forest Service in its
proposal focuses on commercial uses, the proposal would sweep within
its requirements amateur radio uses that are solely noncommercial,"
ARRL said in comments filed on February 22. "Radio amateurs
establish and maintain facilities at certain locations for public
service purposes with no remuneration or reimbursement. Unlike
broadcasters and commercial wireless and fiber providers, radio
amateurs are uniquely barred by the terms of their federal licenses
from receiving compensation of any sort."

"Non-commercial and uncompensated communication uses by radio
amateurs within Forest Service areas long have served the public
interest in many ways, among them by providing the means for
otherwise unobtainable emergency communication capabilities in times
of need," ARRL noted. "Amateurs perform this valuable public service
without cost to taxpayers. The importance of these capabilities
[has] been demonstrated repeatedly. The skills of amateur operators
have served our country well with their carefully located equipment
when enabling exchanges of possibly life-saving messages in
difficult terrain during forest fires, extending communications
assistance help during hurricanes, and providing communications
capabilities during search-and-rescue missions in remote areas."

ARRL stressed that equipment, maintenance, and other costs
associated with amateur radio facilities on USFS lands "are borne
solely by the volunteer radio amateurs themselves."

ARRL continued, "Commercial applicants usually request more
extensive use of the lands administered by the Forest Service, and
these requests necessarily result in more complex issues having to
be considered and resolved."

"It is foreseeable that many radio amateurs providing these services
would have to opt to withdraw and cease their work," if not exempted
from the proposed fees, ARRL said. "In many cases the most useful
locations for needed coverage from their stations is uniquely on
Forest Service lands. In short, the proposal to include volunteer
uncompensated amateur service applicants with the commercial
wireless service and broadcast applicants is grossly inequitable.
There is a disparity in the amount of resources necessary to
consider applications from radio amateurs as compared to that
required by commercial applicants."

"[O]ur best estimate is that there are fewer than 100 covered
amateur locations, but those likely are unique and essential to
covering forested areas in times of need, such as forest fires or
lost hikers," ARRL said. "These dissimilarities in complexity and
scope should be recognized in this fees proposal and amateur radio
applications exempted."
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB009
ARLB009 W1AW 2022 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule

ZCZC AG09
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 9 ARLB009
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT March 14, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB009
ARLB009 W1AW 2022 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time Mode Days
------------------- ---- ---------
1300 UTC (9 AM ET) CWs Wed, Fri
1300 UTC (9 AM ET) CWf Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1400 UTC to 1600 UTC - (10 AM to 12 PM ET)
1700 UTC to 1945 UTC - (1 PM to 3:45 PM ET)

(Station closed 1600 to 1700 UTC (12 PM to 1 PM ET))

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2000 UTC (4 PM ET) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
2000 " " CWs Tue, Thu
2100 " (5 PM ET) CWb Daily
2200 " (6 PM ET) DIGITAL Daily
2300 " (7 PM ET) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
2300 " " CWf Tue, Thu
0000 " (8 PM ET) CWb Daily
0100 " (9 PM ET) DIGITAL Daily
0145 " (9:45 PM ET) VOICE Daily
0200 " (10 PM ET) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
0200 " " CWs Tue, Thu
0300 " (11 PM ET) CWb Daily


Frequencies (MHz)
-----------------
CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 50.350 147.555 DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 50.350 147.555
VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 50.350 147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
bulletins.

DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
schedule.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2230 UTC (6:30 PM ET), Keplerian Elements
for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular digital
frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
0000 UTC (8 PM ET) Thursdays and 0000 UTC (8 PM ET) Fridays.

Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, and CW/digital/phone bulletins
is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server named
"W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented here as
well. The CW/digital/phone audio is sent in real-time and runs
concurrently with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
or comments to w1aw@arrl.org .

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
CW on the half hour.

FCC licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1400 UTC to 1600
UTC (10 AM to 12 PM ET), and then from 1700 UTC to 1945 UTC (1 PM to
3:45 PM ET) Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring a reference
copy of your current FCC amateur radio license.

The weekly W1AW and monthly West Coast Qualifying Runs are sent on
the normal CW frequencies used for both code practice and bulletin transmissions. West Coast Qualifying Run stations may also use 3590
kHz.

The complete W1AW Operating Schedule may be found on page 77 in the
March 2022 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB010
ARLB010 New Amateur Radio License Applications Fee To Become
Effective April 19, 2022

ZCZC AG10
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 10 ARLB010
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT March 25, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB010
ARLB010 New Amateur Radio License Applications Fee To Become
Effective April 19, 2022

A Public Notice released by the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) on March 23, 2022, in MD Docket No. 20-270, announced that new application fees for Wireless Telecommunications Bureau applications
will become effective on April 19, 2022. The new fees, mandated by
Congress, apply to applications for Amateur Radio licenses including
those associated with filing Form 605, the Amateur Operator/Primary
Station Licensee Application.

The docket can be found online at, https://www.fcc.gov/document/effective-date-wireless-application-fee-rates
.

Effective April 19, 2022, a $35 fee will apply to applications for a
new Amateur Radio license, modification (upgrade and sequential call
sign change), renewal, and vanity call signs.

Anticipating the implementation of the fee in 2022, the ARRL Board
of Directors, at its July 2021 meeting, approved the "ARRL Youth
Licensing Grant Program." Under the program, ARRL will cover a
one-time $35 application fee for license candidates younger than 18
years old for tests administered under the auspices of the ARRL
Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (ARRL VEC). Qualified candidates also
would pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the ARRL VEC. ARRL is
finalizing details for administering the program.

ARRL had filed comments in opposition to imposing a fee on Amateur
Radio license applications. The FCC initially proposed a higher, $50
fee. In a Report and Order (R&O), released on December 29, 2020, the
amount was reduced -- the FCC agreeing with ARRL and other
commenters that its proposed $50 fee for certain amateur radio
applications was "too high to account for the minimal staff
involvement in these applications."

ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (ARRL VEC) Manager Maria Somma,
AB1FM, explained that all fees are per application. "There will be
no fee for administrative updates, such as a change of mailing or
email address. The fees will be the responsibility of the applicant
regardless of filing method and must be paid within 10 calendar days
of FCC's receipt of the application. For applications filed by a
VEC, the period does not begin until the application is received by
the Commission, a ULS file number assigned, and an email sent by the
FCC directly to the applicant."

VECs and Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams will not collect the $35 fee
at license exam sessions. New and upgrade candidates at an exam
session will continue to pay the $15 exam session fee to the ARRL VE
team as usual, and pay the new, $35 application fee directly to the
FCC by using the CORES FRN Registration system (CORES - Login).

The CORES Login can be found at,
https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do .

When the FCC receives the examination information from the VEC, it
will email a link with payment instructions to each successful
candidate who then will have 10 calendar days from the date of the
email to pay. After the fee is paid and the FCC has processed an
application, examinees will receive a second email from the FCC with
a link to their official license or explanation of other action. The
link will be good for 30 days.

Somma also explained that applications that are processed and
dismissed will not be entitled to a refund. This includes vanity
call sign requests where the applicant does not receive the
requested call sign. "The FCC staff has suggested that applicants
for vanity call signs should first ensure the call signs requested
are available and eligible for their operator class and area, and
then request as many call signs as the form allows to maximize their
chances of receiving a call sign."

Further information and instructions about the FCC Application Fee
are available from the ARRL VEC at www.arrl.org/fcc-application-fee.
Details for the ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program will be similarly
posted there, when available.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB011
ARLB011 New FCC Application Fee Will Not Apply to Amateur Radio
License Upgrades

ZCZC AG11
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 11 ARLB011
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT April 5, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB011
ARLB011 New FCC Application Fee Will Not Apply to Amateur Radio
License Upgrades

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) staff has clarified in
response to an ARRL request that the new $35 application fee will
not apply to most license modifications, including those to upgrade
amateur radio licensee's operator class and changes to club station
trustees. The FCC staff explained that the new fees will apply only
to applications for a new license, renewal, rule waiver, or a new
vanity call sign. As previously announced, the new fees take effect
on April 19, 2022.

"We are pleased that the FCC will not charge licensees the FCC
application fee for license upgrade applications," said ARRL
Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM.
"While applicants for a new license will need to pay the $35 FCC
application fee, there will be no FCC charge for future upgrades and administrative updates, such as a change of mailing or email
address. Most current licensees, therefore, will not be charged the
new FCC application fee until they renew their license or apply for
a new vanity call sign."

ARRL previously reported that the new $35 application fee for
amateur radio licenses will become effective on April 19, 2022.
Further information and instructions about the FCC Application Fee
are available from the ARRL VEC page at, https://www.arrl.org/fcc-application-fee .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB012
ARLB012 FCC Not Processing License Applications and Exam Session
Files

ZCZC AG12
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 12 ARLB012
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT April 22, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB012
ARLB012 FCC Not Processing License Applications and Exam Session
Files

The ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) reports that the FCC
Universal Licensing System (ULS) electronic batch filing (EBF)
system has been down since midday Tuesday, April 19, 2022, which is
the day the FCC application fees became effective for amateur radio.

On Wednesday, in a notice to all VECs, the FCC asked them to refrain
from submitting any session or application files while they work to
resolve the issue.

ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said the FCC did not estimate
how long the system would be down. Some applications were processed
through the system before the FCC notice was released to the VECs.

Applicants should expect delays with license and application
processing.

ARRL VEC will provide an update when the FCC communicates that the
filing system is back online.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB013
ARLB013 FCC Has Resumed Processing License Applications and Exam
Session Files

ZCZC AG13
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 13 ARLB013
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT April 23, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB013
ARLB013 FCC Has Resumed Processing License Applications and Exam
Session Files

The ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) reports that the FCC
Universal Licensing System (ULS) electronic batch filing (EBF)
system is back online and functioning normally. VECs may resume
transmitting sessions and applications. The backlog of files will be
processed through the system.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB014
ARLB014 A New Colorado Section Manager Begins July 1

ZCZC AG14
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 14 ARLB014
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT April 29, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB014
ARLB014 A New Colorado Section Manager Begins July 1

ARRL Colorado Section Manager Robert Wareham, N0ESQ, has resigned
from the position, effective June 30, 2022. ''I appreciate all the
hard work that you have put in and wish you the best for the
future,'' responded ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY.

Wareham has a long history of leadership within ARRL, serving as
State Government Liaison, Public Information Coordinator, Section
Emergency Coordinator, Division Vice Director, and finally, Section
Manager since 2006. Wareham told Walters he was stepping down
because he didn't feel he could devote the time necessary to the
Section Manager role for the remainder of his term.

On the recommendation of Wareham and Rocky Mountain Division
Director Jeff Ryan, K0RM, Walters has asked Amanda Alden, K1DDN, to
serve the remainder of Wareham's term, which ends September 30,
2023. Alden has served as an Assistant Section Manager, and Region
Emergency Coordinator for the south and southeast All-Hazards
Regions of Colorado.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB016
ARLB016 Section Manager Spring Election Results

ZCZC AG16
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 16 ARLB016
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT May 27, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB016
ARLB016 Section Manager Spring Election Results

The results of two Spring Section Manager (SM) elections were
determined when the ballots were counted at ARRL Headquarters on
Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

Because no nominations were received by the original nomination
deadline of September 10, 2021, it was necessary to re-solicit
nominations for Delaware SM. Joseph Grib, KI3B, a resident of Bear,
Delaware was appointed Interim Delaware SM in January 2022 until the
election could be held. John Ferguson, K3PFW, a resident of
Georgetown, received 162 votes and Grib received 96 votes. Ferguson
will begin his 18-month term (instead of a 2-year term) as SM on
July 1.

In Indiana, Bob Burns, AK9R, received 625 votes, and incumbent
Section Manager Jimmy Merry, KC9RPX, received 344 votes. Burns, a
resident of Brownsville, will begin his 2-year term on July 1.
Merry, a resident of Ellettsville, has served as SM for the past 4
years.

Wisconsin will have a new SM on July 1. Jason Spetz, KC9FXE, a
resident of Menomonie, was the sole nominee. Spetz will take the
reins of the Section's Field Organization from Patrick Moretti,
KA1RB. Moretti, a resident of Dousman, decided not to run for a new
term of office after serving as SM since 2016.

Scott Roberts, KK4ECR, the only nominee for the Northern Florida
Section, will become SM on July 1. He has been serving as the
Assistant Section Manager and Public Information Coordinator for the
Section. He'll succeed Kevin Bess, KK4BFN, who decided not to run
for a new term. Bess, a resident of Edgewater, has been SM since
2018.

The following incumbent Section Managers, who did not face
opposition, were declared re-elected and will begin new terms on
July 1: Thomas Beebe, W9RY (Illinois); Philip Duggan, N1EP (Maine);
David Kidd, KA7OZO (Oregon); James Armstrong, NV6W (Santa Clara
Valley), and Paul Gayet, AA1SU (Vermont).

ARRL extends its thanks to all incumbent SMs for their past valued
service and congratulations to those who will take office on July 1.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB019
ARLB019 New Wyoming Section Manager Appointed

ZCZC AG19
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 19 ARLB019
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT October 31, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB019
ARLB019 New Wyoming Section Manager Appointed

Garth Crowe, WY7GC, was appointed as the new ARRL Wyoming Section
Manager on October 12, 2022. He replaced Rick Breininger, N1TEK, who
announced he was stepping down following the Rocky Mountain Division
Convention held in early October. Breininger served as the Wyoming
Section Manager since April 2019.

ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, officially appointed
Crowe after consultation with Rocky Mountain Division Director Jeff
Ryan, K0RM. Crowe previously served as Wyoming Section Manager from
2009 until 2015. He will now serve for the remaining portion of
Breininger's term, which runs through March 31, 2023.

Nominating petitions for the next Wyoming Section Manager term of
office, beginning April 1, 2023, are due at ARRL Headquarters no
later than December 9, 2022.

Visit "Section Manager Terms & Nomination Information" on the ARRL
website at http://www.arrl.org/section-terms-nomination-information
for more details.

The Wyoming Section is part of the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division,
which includes Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB020
ARLB020 W1AW 2022 Winter Operating Schedule

ZCZC AG20
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 20 ARLB020
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT November 7, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB020
ARLB020 W1AW 2022 Winter Operating Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time Mode Days
------------------- ---- ---------
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWs Wed, Fri
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWf Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1500 UTC to 2045 UTC - (10 AM to 3:45 PM EST)

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2100 UTC (4 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
2100 " " CWs Tue, Thu
2200 " (5 PM EST) CWb Daily
2300 " (6 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
0000 " (7 PM EST) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
0000 " " CWf Tue, Thu
0100 " (8 PM EST) CWb Daily
0200 " (9 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
0245 " (9:45 PM EST) VOICE Daily
0300 " (10 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
0300 " " CWs Tue, Thu
0400 " (11 PM EST) CWb Daily


Frequencies (MHz)
-----------------
CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 50.350 147.555 DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 50.350 147.555
VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 50.350 147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
bulletins.

DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
schedule.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian
Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
digital frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, CW/digital bulletins and phone
bulletin is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server
named "W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented
here as well. The audio is sent in real-time and runs concurrently
with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
or comments to w1aw@arrl.org .

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
CW on the half hour.

All licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 2045
UTC (10 AM to 3:45 PM EST). Be sure to bring a reference copy of
your current FCC amateur radio license.

The weekly W1AW and monthly West Coast Qualifying Runs are sent on
the normal CW frequencies used for both code practice and bulletin transmissions. West Coast Qualifying Run stations may also use 3590
kHz.

The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 28 in the
November 2022 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB022
ARLB022 Eastern Massachusetts Section to Welcome New Section
Manager; Incumbent Section Managers were Reelected

ZCZC AG22
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 22 ARLB022
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT November 21, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB022
ARLB022 Eastern Massachusetts Section to Welcome New Section
Manager; Incumbent Section Managers were Reelected

Jon McCombie, N1ILZ, will become Section Manager (SM) of the ARRL
Eastern Massachusetts Section on January 1, 2023. McCombie, of
Eastham, was the only nominee to submit a petition to run for office
when the nomination period closed in early September. As the sole
nominee, he has been declared elected.

This past year, McCombie has been Assistant SM to Tom Walsh, K1TW,
who has been the SM of the Eastern Massachusetts Section for the
last 8 years. Walsh, of Bedford, decided not to run for a fifth
2-year term of office.

There were no balloted elections during this Fall season's SM
election cycle. The following incumbent SMs ran unopposed, and they
were declared reelected, beginning their new 2-year terms of office
on January 1: Cecil Higgins, AC0HA (Missouri); Matt Anderson, KA0BOJ (Nebraska); Jim Mezey, W2KFV (New York City-Long Island); Rocco
Conte, WU2M (Northern New York); Marc Tarplee, N4UFP (South
Carolina); Tom Preiser, N2XW (Southern New Jersey); Michael Douglas,
W4MDD (West Central Florida), and Joe Shupienis, W3BC (Western
Pennsylvania).
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB023
ARLB023 New General Question Pool Released for Ham Radio Licensing
Effective July 1, 2023

ZCZC AG23
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 23 ARLB023
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 12, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB023
ARLB023 New General Question Pool Released for Ham Radio Licensing
Effective July 1, 2023

The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators' (NCVEC)
Question Pool Committee (QPC) has released the 2023 - 2027 General
Class FCC Element 3 Syllabus and Question Pool to the public. The
new General Question Pool is effective July 1, 2023, through June
30, 2027.

The new pool incorporates some significant changes compared to the
2019 - 2023 version. Its 432 questions were modified slightly to
improve wording and to replace distractors; 51 new questions were
generated, and 73 questions were eliminated. This resulted in a
reduction of 22 questions, bringing the total number of questions in
the pool down from 454. The level of difficulty of questions is more
balanced, and the techniques and practices addressed have been
updated.

The pool is available as a Microsoft Word document and PDF online
at, http://www.ncvec.org/page.php?id=369 . The single graphic
required for the new General Question Pool is available within the
documents, or separately as PDF and JPG file formats.

"The newly revised pool must be used for General-class license exams
starting July 1, 2023," said ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM,
who is a member of the NCVEC Question Pool Committee. "New test
designs will be available to ARRL Volunteer Examiners on that date.
The ARRL VEC will supply its officially appointed, field-stocked VE
teams with new General exam booklet designs around mid-June."

General class examination candidates preparing for their exams using
the 9th edition of The General Class License Manual, and/or the 6th
edition of ARRL's General Q & A are encouraged to test by, or
before, June 30, 2023. New editions of ARRL licensing publications
will be available in May, for exams taken on, or after, July 1,
2023.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB024
ARLB024 New Section Managers Appointed -- Incumbent Section Managers
to Continue New Terms in April 2023

ZCZC AG24
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 24 ARLB024
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 16, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB024
ARLB024 New Section Managers Appointed -- Incumbent Section Managers
to Continue New Terms in April 2023

Betsey Doane, K1EIC, has been appointed by ARRL Headquarters as the
Connecticut Section Manager, as of November 23, 2022, to fulfill the
role on a limited basis, while the search continues for a full-time
Section Manager. Doane, of Shelton, was previously the Connecticut
Section Manager for 25 years, from 1991 to 2016.

Chuck Motes, K1DFS, of Plainville, has served as ARRL Connecticut
Section Manager for the last 6 years. He decided not to run for a
new term of office when his third term concluded on September 30,
2022.

Ralph Fettig, N0RDF, will become the ARRL North Dakota Section
Manager on January 1, 2023.

Fettig, of Minot, was the only nominee to submit a petition to run
for office when the re-solicited nomination period closed on
December 9, 2022. As the sole nominee, he has been declared elected.
Although his elected 18-month term of office starts on April 1,
2023, Fettig has been officially appointed by ARRL Field Services
Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, to start early on New Year's Day.

North Dakota Section Manager Richard Budd, W0TF, of York, decided
not to run for a another 2-year term of office that began on October
1. Budd, however, voluntarily extended his service as Section
Manager until a new Section Manager could be installed.

Charles O'Neal, KE4AIE will begin his term as ARRL Kentucky Section
Manager on January 1, 2023.

Charles O'Neal, KE4AIE, of Glasgow, Kentucky, has been appointed as
the ARRL Kentucky Section Manager, starting January 1, 2023, after
he was the only nominee for the position when the nomination
deadline passed on December 9, 2022. Although O'Neal's elected
2-year term of office officially begins on April 1, 2023, Field
Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, appointed him to start on New
Year's Day because the position has been open for the past few
months.

Kentucky Section Manager Steve Morgan, W4NHO, decided to step down
this past July, before the current term of office concludes on March
31, 2023. Morgan, of Owensboro, has served as Section Manager since
2017. He has been serving simultaneously as the Section Traffic
Manager and Affiliated Club Coordinator. Morgan was also the ARRL
Kentucky Section Manager from 1991 to 1997.

For the winter season Section Manager election cycle, there will not
be balloted elections. The following incumbent ARRL Section Managers
ran un-opposed, and they have been declared re-elected and will
begin their new 2-year terms of office on April 1, 2023: Rick
Paquette, W7RAP (Arizona); James Ferguson, N5LKE (Arkansas); Lelia
Garner, WA0UIG (Iowa); Malcolm Keown, W5XX (Mississippi); Steven
Lott Smith, KG5VK (North Texas); Bob Turner, W6RHK (Orange), and
Garth Crowe, WY7GC (Wyoming).

There were no Section Manager nominees from Montana for the next
term of office. ARRL Montana Section Manager Paul Stiles, KF7SOJ, of
Billings, decided not to run for a new term of office. Since no
nominations from Montana were submitted, a re-solicitation for
nominees will appear in the April and May 2023 issues of QST.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB025
ARLB025 Rep. Lesko Introduces Bill to Replace Symbol Rate Limit with
Bandwidth Limit

ZCZC AG25
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 25 ARLB025
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 23, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB025
ARLB025 Rep. Lesko Introduces Bill to Replace Symbol Rate Limit with
Bandwidth Limit

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) introduced a bill in the U.S.
House of Representatives (H.R. 9664) on December 21, 2022, to
require that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) replace the
current HF digital symbol rate limit with a 2.8 kHz bandwidth limit.

After being petitioned by ARRL, The National Association for Amateur
Radio, in 2013 (RM-11708) for the same relief, in 2016 the
Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (WT Docket No.
16-239) in which it agreed that the HF symbol rate limit was
outmoded, served no purpose, and hampered experimentation. But the
Commission questioned whether any bandwidth limit was needed in its
place. Most amateurs, including the ARRL, objected to there being no
signal bandwidth limit in the crowded HF bands given the possibility
that unreasonably wide bandwidth digital protocols could be
developed, and since 2016 there has been no further FCC action.

In conjunction with introducing the legislation, Congresswoman Lesko
stated that "With advances in our modern technology, increased
amounts of data can be put on the spectrum, so there is less of a
need for a regulatory limit on symbol rates. I am pleased to
introduce this important piece of legislation to update the FCC's
rules to support the critical role amateur radio operators play and
better reflect the capabilities of our modern radio technology."

ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, hailed introduction of the bill.
Roderick stated that "the FCC's delay in removing this outdated
restriction has been incomprehensible, given that the biggest effect
of the delay is to require totally inefficient spectrum use on the already-crowded amateur HF bands. I hope that the Commission will
act to remove this harmful limitation without waiting for the bill
to be passed."

ARRL Legislative Committee Chairman John Robert Stratton, N5AUS,
added that "the symbol rate limit hampers experimentation and
development of more efficient HF data protocols by U.S. amateurs.
For all practical purposes the field has been ceded to amateurs
outside the U.S., where there is no comparable limit. Removing the
restriction not only will allow U.S. amateurs to use the most
efficient data protocol suitable for their purpose, but it also will
promote and incentivize U.S. amateurs to experiment with and develop
even more efficient protocols."
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB026
ARLB026 Rep. Bill Johnson Introduces Bill to Eliminate Private Land
Use Restrictions on Amateur Radio

ZCZC AG26
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 26 ARLB026
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 24, 2022
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB026
ARLB026 Rep. Bill Johnson Introduces Bill to Eliminate Private Land
Use Restrictions on Amateur Radio

Congressman Bill Johnson (OH-6) introduced a bill in the U.S. House
of Representatives (H.R.9670) on Thursday, December 22, 2022, to
eliminate private land use restrictions that prohibit, restrict, or
impair the ability of an Amateur Radio Operator from operating and
installing amateur station antennas on property subject to the
control of the Amateur Radio Operator.

The exponential growth of communities subject to private land use
restrictions that prohibit both the operation of Amateur Radio and
the installation of amateur station antennas has significantly
restricted the growth of the Amateur Radio Service. These
restrictions are pervasive in private common interest residential
communities such as single-family subdivisions, condominiums,
cooperatives, gated communities, master-planned communities, planned
unit developments, and communities governed by community
associations. The restrictions have particularly impacted the
ability of Amateur Radio to fulfill its statutorily mandated duty of
serving as a voluntary noncommercial emergency communications
service.

Congress in 1996 directed the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) to promulgate regulations (Public Law 104-104, title II,
section 207, 110 Stat. 114; 47 U.S.C. 303 note) that have preempted
all private land use restrictions applicable to exterior
communications facilities that impair the ability of citizens to
receive television broadcast signals, direct broadcast satellite
services, or multichannel multipoint distribution services, or to
transmit and receive wireless internet services. ARRL attempts to
obtain similar relief for Amateur Radio were rejected by the FCC
with a statement such relief would have to come from Congress.

ARRL Legislative Advocacy Committee Chairman John Robert Stratton,
N5AUS, noted that Congress, in 1994 by Joint Resolution, S.J.Res.90/H.J.Res.199, declared that regulations at all levels of
government should facilitate and encourage the effective operation
of Amateur Radio from residences as a public benefit. He continued
by stating that "H.R.9670, the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness
Act, is intended to fulfill that mandate and preserve the ability of
Amateur Radio Operators to continue to serve as a key component of
American critical communications infrastructure."

ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and Mr. Stratton both extended
on behalf of the ARRL, its Members, and the Amateur Radio community
their thanks and appreciation for the leadership of Rep. Johnson in
his tireless efforts to support and protect the rights of all
Amateur Radio Operators.

The full text of the bill in PDF format is available online at,

https://www.arrl.org/files/file/HR9670/ HR9670-Amateur-Radio-Emergency-Preparedness-Act.pdf

(Above URL all on one line).

NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB001
ARLB001 W1AW 2023 Winter Operating Schedule

ZCZC AG01
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 1 ARLB001
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT January 3, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB001
ARLB001 W1AW 2023 Winter Operating Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time Mode Days
------------------- ---- ---------
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWs Wed, Fri
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWf Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1500 UTC to 2045 UTC - (10 AM to 3:45 PM EST)

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2100 UTC (4 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
2100 " " CWs Tue, Thu
2200 " (5 PM EST) CWb Daily
2300 " (6 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
0000 " (7 PM EST) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
0000 " " CWf Tue, Thu
0100 " (8 PM EST) CWb Daily
0200 " (9 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
0245 " (9:45 PM EST) VOICE Daily
0300 " (10 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
0300 " " CWs Tue, Thu
0400 " (11 PM EST) CWb Daily


Frequencies (MHz)
-----------------
CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 50.350 147.555 DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 50.350 147.555
VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 50.350 147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM 
CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
bulletins.

DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
schedule.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian
Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
digital frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, CW/digital bulletins and phone
bulletin is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server
named "W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented
here as well. The audio is sent in real-time and runs concurrently
with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
or comments to w1aw@arrl.org .

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
CW on the half hour.

All licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 2045
UTC (10 AM to 3:45 PM EST). Be sure to bring a reference copy of
your current FCC amateur radio license.

The weekly W1AW and monthly West Coast Qualifying Runs are sent on
the normal CW frequencies used for both code practice and bulletin transmissions. West Coast Qualifying Run stations may also use 3590
kHz.

The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 96 in the
January 2023 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB003
ARLB003 Leadership Changes in ARRL Atlantic Division

ZCZC AG03
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 3 ARLB003
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT February 3, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB003
ARLB003 Leadership Changes in ARRL Atlantic Division

The ARRL Atlantic Division has new leadership. Tom Abernethy, W3TOM,
who had served as an ARRL Director, representing the Atlantic
Division since 2015, stepped down on January 6, 2023.

Vice Director Robert "Bob" Famiglio, K3RF, of Media, Pennsylvania,
is the new Division Director. ARRL Section Manager for Maryland/DC
Marty Pittinger, KB3MXM, of Owings Mills, Maryland, has been
appointed Vice Director by ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR.

Famiglio was initially Atlantic Division Vice Director from 2015
until 2017, appointed in 2019 to fill a vacancy, and then elected
unopposed for a term beginning in 2021. A practicing lawyer, he has
served as an ARRL Volunteer Council for decades. Famiglio is also an
electrical engineer and former broadcast station owner and engineer.
He is an FAA-certificated pilot. He is a Life Member of the
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). He earned
his amateur radio license in 1967, and is an ARRL Life Member.

In an email to the Atlantic Division members in early January,
Abernethy said he still plans to be involved, stating, "After having
served for over 20 years in ARRL elected offices, it is my intention
to remain very active in support of ARRL, and I wish everyone all
the best as we head into the future of amateur radio and ARRL."

Pittinger was the Section Manager for Maryland/DC, one of seven ARRL
Sections that make up the Atlantic Division. He has an extensive
background in radio, served in the US Navy on submarines, and works
for a federal agency in his professional life.

Assistant Section Manager and Affiliated Club Coordinator for
Maryland/DC, Christopher D. Van Winkle, AB3WG, has been appointed
Section Manager by ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY.

Famiglio and Pittinger will each serve the remainder of 3 year terms
ending December 31, 2023.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB004
ARLB004 W1AW 2023 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule

ZCZC AG04
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 4 ARLB004
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT March 13, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB004
ARLB004 W1AW 2023 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time Mode Days
------------------- ---- ---------
1300 UTC (9 AM EDT) CWs Wed, Fri
1300 UTC (9 AM EDT) CWf Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1400 UTC to 1945 UTC - (10 AM to 3:45 PM EDT)

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2000 UTC (4 PM EDT) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
2000 " " CWs Tue, Thu
2100 " (5 PM EDT) CWb Daily
2200 " (6 PM EDT) DIGITAL Daily
2300 " (7 PM EDT) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
2300 " " CWf Tue, Thu
0000 " (8 PM EDT) CWb Daily
0100 " (9 PM EDT) DIGITAL Daily
0145 " (9:45 PM EDT) VOICE Daily
0200 " (10 PM EDT) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
0200 " " CWs Tue, Thu
0300 " (11 PM EDT) CWb Daily


Frequencies (MHz)
-----------------
CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 50.350 147.555 DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 50.350 147.555
VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 50.350 147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
bulletins.

DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
schedule.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2230 UTC (6:30 PM EDT), Keplerian
Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
digital frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
0000 UTC (8 PM EDT) Thursdays and 0000 UTC (8 PM EDT) Fridays.

Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, and CW/digital/phone bulletins
is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server named
"W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented here as
well. The CW/digital/phone audio is sent in real-time and runs
concurrently with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
or comments to w1aw@arrl.org .

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
CW on the half hour.

FCC licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1400 UTC to 1945
UTC (10 AM to 3:45 PM EDT) Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring
a reference copy of your current FCC amateur radio license.

The weekly W1AW and monthly West Coast Qualifying Runs are sent on
the normal CW frequencies used for both code practice and bulletin transmissions. West Coast Qualifying Run stations may also use 3590
kHz.

The complete W1AW Operating Schedule may be found on page 28 in the
March 2023 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB005
ARLB005 ARRL Announces Leadership Changes in the Hudson Division

ZCZC AG05
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 5 ARLB005
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT March 29, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB005
ARLB005 ARRL Announces Leadership Changes in the Hudson Division

ARRL Director Ria Jairam, N2RJ, who has represented the Hudson
Division since 2019, has stepped down, effective March 31, 2023, at
5 PM Eastern.

Vice Director Nomar Vizcarrondo, NP4H, of Englewood, New Jersey,
will accede to the Director's chair. Vizcarrondo, who earned his
amateur radio license in 1978 at the age of 11, will serve as
Director for the remainder of a 3-year term ending December 31,
2024. He was appointed as Vice Director of the Hudson Division in
February 2022, following the retirement of previous Vice Director
William Hudzik, W2UDT, who held the position from 2011 to 2022.

ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, will announce a successor to
Vizcarrondo to fill the vacant Vice Director's seat. The ARRL Hudson
Division is comprised of the ARRL Sections of Eastern New York, New
York City - Long Island, and Northern New Jersey.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB006
ARLB006 ARRL Advocates for Radio Amateurs as FCC Proposes Changes to
60-Meter Band

ZCZC AG06
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 6 ARLB006
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT April 28, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB006
ARLB006 ARRL Advocates for Radio Amateurs as FCC Proposes Changes to
60-Meter Band

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments
about changing the secondary allocation available to radio amateurs
on 60 meters. The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
on April 21, 2023, that deals with the band. In a prior petition,
ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio, urged protecting
the existing use of the band by amateurs when adding a new
allocation adopted internationally.

Currently, radio amateurs in the US have access to five discrete
channels on a secondary basis: 5332 kHz, 5348 kHz, 5358.5 kHz, 5373
kHz, and 5405 kHz. Users of these channels are limited to an
effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 W PEP.

The FCC proposes to allocate 15 kHz of contiguous bandwidth between
5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz on a secondary basis with a maximum power of 15
W EIRP (equivalent to 9.15 W ERP). This allocation was adopted at
the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15).

The federal government is the primary user of the 5 MHz spectrum.
The government's manager of spectrum use, the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), has
expressed support for implementing the allocation as adopted at
WRC-15. Doing so would result in amateurs losing access to four of
the five discrete channels, and power limits would be reduced from
100 W ERP to 9.15 W ERP. However, it would provide access to a new
contiguous 15 kHz band that includes one of the current five
channels.

In 2017, ARRL petitioned the FCC to keep the four 60-meter channels
that fall outside the new band, as well as the current operating
rules, including the 100 W PEP ERP limit.

The ARRL petition stated, "Such implementation will allow radio
amateurs engaged in emergency and disaster relief communications,
and especially those between the United States and the Caribbean
basin, to more reliably, more flexibly, and more capably conduct
those communications."

ARRL said that years of amateur radio experience using the five
discrete channels have shown that amateurs can coexist with primary
users at 5 MHz while complying with the regulations established for
their use. The petition also stated, "Neither ARRL, nor, apparently,
NTIA, is aware of a single reported instance of interference to a
federal user by a radio amateur operating at 5 MHz to date."

In the NPRM, the FCC recognizes that Canada has already adopted
60-meter allocations and related rules that align with those
proposed by ARRL. The Commission wrote, "Finally, we note that
Canada has essentially implemented the same rules as ARRL has
requested." The NPRM can be found online at, https://www.fcc.gov/ .

The FCC proposed to allocate the 15 kHz bandwidth but stopped short
of making a proposal on whether the existing channels should remain
allocated to amateur radio and what the power limitations should be.
They requested comments on their proposal and the related channel
and power issues.

Comments will be due 60 days after the NPRM is published in the
Federal Register, which is expected within the next two weeks.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB007
ARLB007 Section Manager Update: Austin Elected, Bigley Re-elected,
Gendron Appointed

ZCZC AG07
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 7 ARLB007
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT May 30, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB007
ARLB007 Section Manager Update: Austin Elected, Bigley Re-elected,
Gendron Appointed

The results of two balloted Section Manager elections held this
spring were determined when the ballots were counted at ARRL
Headquarters on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

John Bigley, N7UR, incumbent Section Manager of the ARRL Nevada
Section, was re-elected when he received 277 votes, and Jim
Shepherd, W6US, of Sparks, received 177 votes. Bigley, of Las Vegas,
has been serving as Section Manager since 2015 and has held other
ARRL Field Organization and club leadership positions for more than
20 years. Bigley's new 2-year term of office starts July 1.

Nancy Austin, KC1NEK, was elected as ARRL Rhode Island Section
Manager when she received 129 votes, and incumbent Section Manager
Bob Beaudet, W1YRC, received 127 votes.

Austin, of Middletown, is the President of the Newport County Radio
Club, and she will begin a 2-year term of office on July 1.

Beaudet, of Cumberland, has served as ARRL Rhode Island Section
Manager for 21 years.

The following incumbent Section Managers were the only nominees in
their respective Sections when the nomination period closed on March
10, and were declared re-elected. Their new 2-year terms of office
begin July 1: Chris Van Winkle, AB3WG (Maryland-DC); Peter Stohrer,
W1FEA (New Hampshire); Bob Buus, W2OD (Northern New Jersey); John
Litz, NZ6Q (San Joaquin Valley); Pat Malan, N7PAT (Utah), and Dale
Durham, W5WI (West Texas).

ARRL has named John Gendron, NJ4Z, as the South Carolina Section
Manager. He will complete the term of Marc Tarplee, N4UFP, who
passed away after a brief illness.

Gendron, an Amateur Extra-class operator, is President of the York
County Amateur Radio Society (YCARS) and a member of the Swamp Fox
Contest Group. In addition to being an avid contester and DX chaser,
Gendron enjoys participating in Parks on the Air. He has earned
numerous ARRL awards, including the Worked All States and Triple
Play Worked All States awards, and is closing in on 5-Band DXCC.

Gendron also hosts a YouTube channel, called "From the Hamshack." In
2022, he became the 55th recipient of the Vic Clark Roanoke Division
ARRL Service Award, the Division's highest honor.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB008
ARLB008 ARRL Elected to Serve on SAFECOM

ZCZC AG08
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 8 ARLB008
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 2, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB008
ARLB008 ARRL Elected to Serve on SAFECOM

ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio has been elected to
serve on SAFECOM. SAFECOM is a group of national thought leaders and
officials within the emergency communications and response space
that works to set standards used at every level. The program is
managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
(CISA), an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security.

SAFECOM sets the standards of interoperability procedures, and ARRL
being a part of the group solidifies the Amateur Radio Service as a
robust resource before and during times of crisis.

In a letter from SAFECOM Chair, Chief Gerald R Reardon said "On
behalf of the SAFECOM Executive Board, it is with great pleasure
that I inform you of our offer to join SAFECOM as a member
association. SAFECOM aims to improve multi-jurisdictional and
intergovernmental communications interoperability through
collaboration with emergency responders and policymakers across
federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and international
partners. SAFECOM recognizes the organization's dedication to
emergency communications and interoperability, and therefore is
pleased to extend a membership offer."

ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, said
"Gaining a seat at the table is a major step in strengthening the
role and capability of Amateur Radio with emergency communication
agencies. This will give us the sounding board and resources we need
to set standards and create training for our Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES) volunteers that will better suit AHJ's (Agencies
Having Jurisdiction) and partner organizations." The opportunity
for ARRL to provide a more comprehensive Emergency Communications
program is part of the goal the Board and ARRL leadership has begun
to emphasize over the past few years, and this is one more example
of the commitment to do so. ARRL will provide premier resources for
the served agencies to support them in all phases of Emergency
Management.

Johnston will serve as the Representative for ARRL on SAFECOM and
will be meeting with that leadership over the coming days to begin
the process of better understanding all the roles and
responsibilities that come with being a member association. "I look
forward to working with the SAFECOM leadership as we move forward
and with the ARRL Leadership to better serve the Ham community and
our Served Agencies and Partners." Johnston said.

For more information about ARES and other ARRL Emergency Programs
and training visit our web page at: http://arrl.org/public-service .

For more information about SAFECOM go to:
https://www.cisa.gov/safecom .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB009
ARLB009 ARRL Hudson Division has New Vice Director

ZCZC AG09
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 9 ARLB009
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 5, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB009
ARLB009 ARRL Hudson Division has New Vice Director

Ed Wilson, N2XDD, of Shirley, New York has been appointed Vice
Director of the ARRL Hudson Division by ARRL President Rick
Roderick, K5UR.

Wilson succeeds Nomar Vizcarrondo, NP4H, who was appointed Director
of the ARRL Hudson Division in March. Wilson will serve in the
position for the remainder of the 3-year term that ends December 31,
2024.

Having developed an interest in radio as a child, Wilson has been
active in projects that developed new digital protocols for amateur
radio.

Wilson has served as an Emergency Coordinator and Public Information
Officer and is accredited as a Volunteer Examiner.

The ARRL Hudson Division is comprised of the ARRL Sections of
Eastern New York, New York City - Long Island, and Northern New
Jersey.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB010
ARLB010 FCC Universal Licensing System Applications Are Unavailable

ZCZC AG10
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 10 ARLB010
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 14, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB010
ARLB010 FCC Universal Licensing System Applications Are Unavailable

The FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS), which includes Electronic
Batch Filing (EBF) used by VECs for new and upgrade license
submissions and club license applications, Application Search,
License Search, License Manager system used for filing applications
directly with the FCC, Tower Construction Notification System, E-106
System, Antenna Structure Registration Online Filing and searches,
TOWAIR and all ULS Specialized Searches, are currently down.

The FCC's EBF and License Manager Filing systems have stopped
accepting and processing all amateur radio exam session files and
applications. The EBF system has not processed any VEC license
applications and examination session files since Monday afternoon.
The other systems have not been available since Friday June 9 at the
close of business.

ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said her office contacted the
FCC staff, which said systems are down due to maintenance but did
not estimate how long the systems would be down. "As soon as the FCC
staff corrects the EBF system problem, we will immediately file the
backlog via the automated system, which would take only a few hours
or less to release," Somma estimated. When the License Manager
system is again available, amateurs will be able to file license
renewals, vanity call sign applications, and other license updates
online directly with the FCC.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB011
ARLB011 Legislation to Remove Private Land Use Restrictions on
Amateur Radio Introduced in Congress

ZCZC AG11
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 11 ARLB011
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 14, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB011
ARLB011 Legislation to Remove Private Land Use Restrictions on
Amateur Radio Introduced in Congress

Congressmen Bill Johnson (OH-06) and Joe Courtney (CT-02)
reintroduced a bill in the US House of Representatives on June 12 -
H.R.4006 - to remove private land use restrictions that prohibit,
restrict, or impair the ability of Amateur Radio operators from
operating and installing reasonable antennas on property that they
own or control. Similar legislation, H.R. 9670, was introduced by
Congressman Johnson in 2022.

The full text of the bill can be found in PDF format at, https://billjohnson.house.gov/uploadedfiles/amateur_radio_emergency_ preparedness_act_signed_bill_text.pdf

(above URL all on one line)

"I reintroduced the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act to
remove barriers to disaster and emergency communications and
training, and to promote education in STEM subjects related to
critically needed wireless technology," Congressman Johnson said in
a release. "Passage of this bill will promote developing and
sustaining our nation's wireless future and facilitate and encourage
amateur radio operations as a public benefit."

"As their actions during recent natural disasters such as Hurricane
Sandy proved, amateur radio operators in Connecticut can be a
critical component of disaster response and emergency management. It
is in our communities' best interest that we give them the
capabilities to operate at the highest level, and with the
re-introduction of this bill, we've taken a strong step in that
direction," said Congressman Courtney.

The exponential growth of communities bound by private land use
restrictions that prohibit both the operation of Amateur Radio and
the installation of amateur station antennas has significantly
restricted the growth of the Amateur Radio Service.

The ARRL continues its multi-year efforts to eliminate private land
use restrictions that prevent Amateur Radio operations and has
pledged to strongly support Congressman Johnson and Congressman
Courtney in their efforts on behalf of Amateur Radio.

Rick Roderick, K5UR, President of ARRL, on behalf its Members and
America's Amateur Radio community extended his thanks and
appreciation for the leadership of Congressman Johnson and
Congressman Courtney in their tireless efforts to support and
protect the rights of all Amateur Radio Operators and to further
STEM education and the advancement of American expertise in wireless technology.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB012
ARLB012 Updated: FCC ULS Unavailable, Filing Deadlines Extended

ZCZC AG12
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 12 ARLB012
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 15, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB012
ARLB012 Updated: FCC ULS Unavailable, Filing Deadlines Extended

In an email to all VECs, the FCC indicated that a Public Notice was
issued by the Commission on June 13, 2023:

FCC Public Notice DA 23-506: UNIVERSAL LICENSING, TOWER
CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION, E-106, AND ANTENNA STRUCTURE REGISTRATION
SYSTEMS UNAVAILABLE; FILING DEADLINES EXTENDED

The FCC Public Notice can be seen at: https://www.fcc.gov/document/uls-tcns-e-106-and-asr-unavailable-filing- deadlines-extended-0

(above URL all on one line).

The notice states that the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS),
Tower Construction Notification System (TCNS), E-106 System, and
Antenna Structure Registration System (ASR) have been unavailable
since approximately 6:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, June 9, due to
technical issues that the agency anticipates resolving in the near
term.

Further the FCC is extending deadlines for regulatory filings in ULS
and ASR because parties have not and will not be able to make
electronic filings or view the contents of the affected systems
while they are unavailable. Therefore the FCC is extending the
filing deadlines for all regulatory filings that needed to be or
will need to be made in these systems starting June 9, 2023 and
until the Commission announces ULS operations, for at least three
business days after access to the systems resumes.

The FCC's Commission Registration (CORES) System used to pay fees is
unaffected and will remain operational and available to pay any
regulatory fee or application fee payments during this period.

The FCC ULS systems affected that are used by amateurs are the
Electronic Batch Filing (EBF) used by VECs for new and upgrade
license submissions and club license applications, Application
Search, License Search, and the License Manager system used for
filing applications directly with the FCC.

At this time, the FCC has stated they do not have a target for the
ULS systems to be back online.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB013
ARLB013 FCC ULS Reopened, Except Electronic Batch Filing System

ZCZC AG13
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 13 ARLB013
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 22, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB013
ARLB013 FCC ULS Reopened, Except Electronic Batch Filing System

On Wednesday morning, June 21, 2023, the FCC had reopened the
Universal Licensing System (ULS) and supporting systems, according
to an email distributed to VEC organizations. However, as of 4:00 PM
on Wednesday, the Electronic Batch Filing (EBF) system, used by VEC organizations for filing exam sessions, individual applications, and
club license applications, was still not available as promised.
Unfortunately, this means applications for new and upgraded
licenses, and individual and club license filings still cannot be
uploaded in the system for issuance.

When the EBF system becomes available, the Commission is requesting
VECs to limit submissions into the filing system. In an email sent
by the FCC, all EBF filers were asked to adhere to a restricted
upload schedule in order to keep the EBF system stable and to avoid
any potential technical problems. The FCC will be monitoring to
ensure the EBF system is stable during this reopening period. If
they assess that the upload volume is too high, they will send out
another notice with directions to reduce the amount of uploads per
hour.

ARRL VEC will comply with the FCC directive, limiting our
transmissions but sending as many backlogged sessions as possible
without overloading their system. The files will be submitted to the
FCC in the order in which they were received, starting with the
files from Monday, June 12, and moving forward from there. ARRL VEC
will begin submitting the backlogged applications as soon as the EBF
system becomes available, and assuming all FCC systems remain
stable.

In an FCC notice published on June 21, 2023 (please see, https://www.fcc.gov/document/uls-tcns-e-106-and-asr-available), the
Commission provided a deadline extension for filings in the ULS and
the Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) system, explaining,
"Because parties could not make electronic filings or view the
contents of the affected systems while they were unavailable, we are
extending the deadlines for all regulatory filings that were due in
the affected systems between June 9, 2023, and June 29, 2023, until
Friday, June 30, 2023.

"We note that we have provided for a longer extension for these
filings than initially contemplated in the June 13 Public Notice in anticipation of high traffic volumes on these systems in the coming
days. In that regard, we encourage filers to consider deferring
discretionary filings this week, and we encourage filers preparing
large submissions to coordinate in advance with [the] staff of the
Bureaus."
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB014
ARLB014 FCC ULS System Restored

ZCZC AG14
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 14 ARLB014
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 27, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB014
ARLB014 FCC ULS System Restored

The FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) has resumed operations,
including the Electronic Batch Filing system (EBF).

As of June 27, 2023, all systems have been reported to be working.
However, visitors to the website will see a message referring them
to Public Notice DA 23-529 for additional information and guidance
on filing deadline extensions.

The systems were first reported unavailable on June 9, 2023. On
Friday afternoon, June 23, the EBF system was restored. All VEC
organizations use that system for filing exam sessions, individual applications, and club license applications. ARRL VEC staff worked
late into Friday night to ensure all backlogged sessions and
application files were transmitted to the FCC before the weekend.
Approximately 350 backlogged files were successfully submitted to
and processed by the FCC before the system's normal shutdown at 8
PM.

ARRL is still monitoring the ULS system, and any further updates
will be available at ARRL News.
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB015
ARLB015 Commercial Interests Petition FCC for High Power Allocation
on Shortwave Spectrum

ZCZC AG15
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 15 ARLB015
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT July 12, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB015
ARLB015 Commercial Interests Petition FCC for High Power Allocation
on Shortwave Spectrum

The ad hoc group "Shortwave Modernization Coalition" petitioned the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow data communications
on multiple bands within the HF 2 - 25 MHz range with up to 20 KW,
including in bands immediately adjacent to spectrum allocated to the
Amateur Radio Service. This group appears to represent high-speed
stock trading interests.

The FCC has assigned it RM-11953. Comments are due by July 31, 2023,
and reply comments by August 15.

While the petitioners exclude the amateur bands, high power
operations on immediately adjacent bands are proposed. The ARRL is
reviewing the petition.

A copy of the petition can be found in PDF format at: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1042840187330/1 .
NNNN
/EX
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB016
ARLB016 Filers Seek Extension on Shortwave Petition. ARRL to File
Comments.

ZCZC AG16
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 16 ARLB016
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT August 1, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB016
ARLB016 Filers Seek Extension on Shortwave Petition. ARRL to File
Comments.

Since May, ARRL has been reviewing the rules proposed in a petition
before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from the
"Shortwave Modernization Coalition" (SMC). The ARRL Laboratory has
been studying the petition out of concern for potential interference
to Amateur Radio communications.

Comments on the petition, RM-11953, were due to FCC by July 31, 2023

(see,
https://www.arrl.org/news/commercial-interests-petition-fcc-for-high- power-allocation-on-shortwave-spectrum ) .

(above URL all on one line)

However, a 30-day extension of time was requested by both Skywave
Networks LLC and FlexRadio Systems.

The timely request from Skywave automatically triggered an extension
to the filing deadline. Under FCC rules, when a request for
extension is made within the appropriate timeframe, commenters may
file comments until a date set by FCC when it rules on the extension
request, or no earlier than two business days after the FCC
decision. On Monday, July 31, the FCC denied the request for
extension. Comments therefore may continue to be filed through
Wednesday, August 2.

In its petition, SMC, a group that appears to represent high-speed
stock trading interests, has proposed amending the FCC Part 90 rules
to allow introduction of high-power digital communications to the
shortwave spectrum that in many instances is immediately adjacent to
the amateur HF bands.

ARRL's comments on the matter will be based on the analysis by its
laboratory and guided by its experienced Washington, D.C. regulatory
affairs counsel. ARRL will use the extension to best represent the
interests of its members and the Amateur Radio Service.
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