[RTTY] RTTY Screwed by FCC?

[Bill Coleman]

On Oct 12, 2006, at 11:18 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

> The FCC's Omnibus action has a couple nasty surprises
> for RTTY activity in the US.
>
> 1) RTTY (digital) is no longer permitted above 3600

I figured this out late last night. Extending Voice transmissions  
down to 3600 seemed like a good thing until I realized that there's a  
lot of traditional RTTY activity that takes place between 3600 and  
3650 or so. All of that will have to move down below 3600.

I'm not sure the FCC considered this ramification when they made the  
ruling.

> 2) RTTY (digital) is no longer permitted between 7075 and 7100

I don't see this implication in the R & O. It's no longer permitted  
between 7125 and 7150.

The allocation for Phone (and Image) between 7075 and 7100 is subject  
to paragraph 11, which reads:
"(11) Phone and image emissions may be transmitted only by stations  
located in ITU Regions 1 and 3, and by stations located within ITU  
Region 2 that are west of 130° West longitude or south of 20° North  
latitude."

Oh, but I see what you mean, there seems to be a typographical error  
in this.

> This may not effect the contesters but it will most certainly
> effect domestic RTTY activity.  Any comments?

There's probably enough bandwidth in the lower part of 80m for all  
the CW and RTTY operation, even during a heavy contest, since RTTY  
isn't heavily favored on 80m due to all the multipath symbol  
interference.

All the Region 1 and 3 regulations on 40m are interesting though,  
because, effective in 2009, the amateur exclusive allocation will  
increase to 7000-7200 kHz. The FCC will likely have to amend these  
regulations when that time comes.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901