Topband: CQ 160 SSB and Bandplans

[Bill Tippett]

	Before we get our annual rash of comments on this,
please go back and review the February archives for past
years.  There is really nothing new to be said, and I don't
think it's very productive to discuss this on the reflector.

	ARRL does have a voluntary Bandplan which restricts
wideband 1840:

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bandplan.html

All IARU voluntary Bandplans also restrict wideband above 1840:

http://www.iaru-r2.org/hf_e.htm

	The FCC has yet to act on RM-10352 which would
restrict wideband modes above 1840 (equivalent to carrier
frequency of 1843 for 3 kHz BW LSB signals) just as we
have on every other HF band.  Until the FCC acts, there is
not much point in creating a lot more heat on this subject.
My guess is that the FCC will roll ARRL's Novice Refarming
and RM-10352 into one giant NPRM, but who knows when it
will happen since they seem to be consumed with BPL at
the moment.

	Whether you like or dislike SSB operations below the
IARU's recommendation, I suggest you directly contact Dave
K4JRB at thompson at mindspring.com (CQ 160 administrator).
It seems one alternative might be for CQ to suggest that all
amateurs follow their IARU Bandplans.  Of course you are
free to tell Dave you like things just they way they are too!
Another factor I'll consider is CQ Magazine's opposition to
RM-10352 when it comes time to renew my subscription.

	Bottom line, please take one of the actions above,
whether you are pro or con, and let's keep the annual gripe
sessions off the reflector.  We've been there and done that
too many times already.

				Thanks & 73!

				Bill  W4ZV