Not necessarily list related, but I believe of interest to most...
The FCC announced today (12/30/99) that a new Amateur license structure will
take place on April 15, 2000. Briefly, there will be just 3 classes
(Technician, General, and Extra) and one 5wpm morse requirement for
General/Extra.
No automatic upgrades...you need to apply for an upgraded license. Credit
is given for tests taken after a certain date as long as proof is provided.
All current licensees retain existing privleges. Current Tech and Tech Plus
retain existing privileges and will be grouped as "Technician Class" Tech
class earned prior to 3/21/1987 can apply for General. Holders of CSCE's
for 3B or 4B issued between 4/17/99 and 4/15/2000 qualify for General or
Extra (respectively) after the new rules go into effect on 4/15/2000 (5wpm
required). Again, you must apply for the upgrades after 4/15/2000.
There will be 4 tests. Element 1 for 5wpm, Elements 2, 3, and 4 for Tech,
General, and Extra.
The entire FCC Report and Order is available (FCC 99-412). The ARRL
homepage has a version in .PDF format and the FCC's website has it in plain
text.
73 and Happy New Year everyone!
- Aaron Hsu, KD6DAE
[athsu]@unistudios.com
[dae]@pacbell.net
No-QRO Int'l #1,000,006
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