SB QST @ ARL $ARLB003   
   ARLB003 Comment Deadline Set in WRC-07 Implementation Proceeding   
      
   ZCZC AG03   
   QST de W1AW     
   ARRL Bulletin 3  ARLB003   
   From ARRL Headquarters     
   Newington CT  January 3, 2013   
   To all radio amateurs    
      
   SB QST ARL ARLB003   
   ARLB003 Comment Deadline Set in WRC-07 Implementation Proceeding   
      
   As previously reported, the FCC has proposed to amend its rules to   
   implement the allocation decisions of the 2007 World   
   Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-07) and to make certain other   
   changes. Notice appeared in the December 27, 2012 issue of the   
   Federal Register, which started the clock on a 60-day window for the   
   submission of comments. Thus, comments are due no later than   
   February 25, 2013, with reply comments due no later than March 27,   
   2013.   
      
   While most of the 130-page Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order   
   does not directly affect the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services,   
   two sections of the document are of particular interest to amateurs.   
      
   Specifically, the FCC proposes to upgrade the Amateur Service   
   allocation in the upper half of the 160 meter band (1900-2000 kHz)   
   from secondary to primary, while deleting the existing allocation to   
   the Radiolocation Service. This is possible, because the   
   reaccommodation of radiolocation stations displaced by the expansion   
   of the AM broadcasting band to 1705 kHz has been completed and there   
   are no non-federal radiolocation stations licensed to operate in the   
   1900-2000 kHz band.   
      
   The FCC also seeks comments on whether, and how, an amateur low   
   frequency (LF) allocation might be able to co-exist with Power Line   
   Carrier (PLC) systems that are used by electric utilities to monitor   
   and control the power grid. The Commission notes that while PLC   
   systems do not have the status of an allocation, they carry   
   "communications important to the reliability and security of   
   electric service to the public." WRC-07 created a new secondary   
   allocation to the amateur service at 135.7-137.8 kHz that already   
   has been implemented in a number of other countries.   
      
   The ARRL will be preparing comments supporting both of these   
   allocations. Individuals wishing to comment directly to the FCC   
   should carefully read paragraphs 13-24 of the NPRM and follow the   
   instructions contained in paragraph 175.  The NPRM can be found in   
   PDF format at,   
   http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1   
   19/FCC-12-140A1   
   .pdf.   
   NNNN   
   /EX   
      
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    * Origin: RRN BBS: Your fidonet ham radio connection! (1:116/901)