clements@bbnccq.arpa (03/14/86)
From: Bob Clements <clements@bbnccq.ARPA> Hr ARRL Bulletin Nr 19 From ARRL Headquarters Newington CT March 14, 1986, Edited by K1BC To All Radio Amateurs BT VHF packet radio got a big boost today. At ARRL request, the FCC suspended parts of its rules to permit third party traffic by packet stations under automatic control. Several conditions are attached to the waiver. Provisions of Sec 97.80(b) and 97.114(b)4, which were both to be added to the rules March 14, are waived to permit Amateur stations retransmitting digital packet radio communications on 50 MHz and higher bands using AX.25 or compatible protocol to be operated under automatic control while retransmitting third party traffic. This waiver applies only to the retransmission of third party traffic originated at another Amateur station which is under local or remote control. When an Amateur station is operated under automatic control, devices must be installed and procedures must be implemented which will ensure compliance with the rules when the control operator is not present at the control point of the Amateur station. This waiver will remain in effect until the Commission takes final action on the petitions for reconsideration filed in PR Docket 85 105. Amateur packet operators must be alert to the increased dependency upon them for monitoring during the period of this waiver. They should immediately make known to the responsible control operator of an automatic packet station any misuse of his station so the licensee can take corrective action. In summary, VHF packet radio may continue under automatic control. AR