[TenTec] No [mandatory] CW

[Jim Lowman]

I wasn't aware of the fact that so many hams in other countries have US 
callsigns.
But I'm not familiar enough with the regs that allow it.

Here's another way that the numbers are growing:  many first responders 
are being "encouraged" to get their Tech licenses.
I have a good friend who is Deputy Chief of a local fire department, and 
he and his colleagues are part of this movement.
I wouldn't have know that he was a ham, except one day over lunch he 
asked for my recommendation in buying an HT.

One of the scare tactics that we hear from time to time is that without 
growth, we will lose our frequencies.
But what agencies want spectrum in the HF bands?  Those most at risk 
area those with Tech licenses.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 2/28/2013 12:19 AM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
> BUT be careful with the numbers the ARRL keeps posting, showing ham radio
> growing in the US.
> I do not know a single ham here who does not also have a US call sign.  We
> all do.
> So do all of the contesters I know in France and several other countries.
>
> HOW MANY US HAMS ACTUALLY LIVE IN THE US?  If you only count them, and not
> the foreigners you may be surprised at the numbers.
> Maybe Ham Radio is dying in the US too, if you count correctly.
>
>
> 73
> Rick
>