karn (11/20/82)
Remember, the FCC has already directed its staff to draw up a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for a code-free amateur radio license in the USA. When the NPRM comes out, the FCC will of course be soliciting comments from interested parties. The ARRL has come out against the code-free license, as it has many times in the past, claiming that it represents the majority of its members. Amateurs are certainly not unanimous however; the editorial staff of Ham Radio magazine recently wrote an eloquent argument in favor of the license. I suggest that the opportunity for the code-free license has never been better than it will be later this year. Since there seem to be so many of you out there who wish to become hams, I suggest STRONGLY that you prepare your comments and send them to the FCC at the appropriate time. Believe it or not, the FCC really does read and consider the written comments it receives. Fewer comments are received than you'd expect, so that those who do take the effort are rewarded for their time. It will be tough to overcome the ARRL's opposition to this issue, but not impossible. The mere fact that the Commission made the directive to its staff indicates a strong positive predisposition. If you want a code-free license, write and say so! Also, post a copy of your final draft to the net. Phil Karn, KA9Q/2