[RTTY] NREN - some background information

[Joe Subich]

After the e-mail assault from NREN supporters, I decided 
to do a little research on the organization. 

1) NREN is not a part of the National Traffic System and 
   has no official status 

2) NREN is not registered with the ARRL and is not listed 
   in the ARRL Net Directory online. 

3) NREN is not a "traditional" (directed) net.  It is a 
   calling frequency in the tradition of the old 500 KHz 
   maritime emergency frequency

4) The only place one can find reference to NREN operation 
   on 7050 KHz is NREN's own web site (www.aa8vs.org/nren/). 
   All other search results show 7068 as the NREN frequency 
   on 40 meters.

5) NREN's operations are CW (there was some question). 

This raises some issues ... 

If NREN's "use" of 7050 consists primarily of maintaining 
watch on three frequencies does that mean that many amateurs 
are "using" 14.100 24 x 7?  Since when did listening to a 
frequency or "claiming" it in print constitute "use?" 

Why have NREN "moved" from their original frequency of 7068? 
Does anyone doubt it is because of the loud VE and South 
American phone QRM? 

A final comment .. it would seem that "claiming" a frequency 
that is not consistent with international band plans would be 
highly suspect if not futile. 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV