(Source: ARRL via Ron)
ARRL has asked the FCC to expand HF privileges for Technician licensees to include limited phone privileges on 75, 40, and 15 meters, plus RTTY and digital mode privileges on 80, 40, 15, and 10 meters. The FCC has not yet invited public comment on the proposals, which stem from recommendations put forth by the ARRL Board of Directors’ Entry-Level License Committee, which explored various initiatives and gauged member opinions in 2016 and 2017.
“This action will enhance the available license operating privileges in what has become the principal entry-level license class in the Amateur Service,” ARRL said in its Petition. “It will attract more newcomers to Amateur Radio, it will result in increased retention of licensees who hold Technician Class licenses, and it will provide an improved incentive for entry-level licensees to increase technical self-training and pursue higher license class achievement and development of communications skills.”
Specifically, ARRL proposes to provide Technician licensees, present and future, with phone privileges at 3.900 to 4.000 MHz, 7.225 to 7.300 MHz, and 21.350 to 21.450 MHz, plus RTTY and digital privileges in current Technician allocations on 80, 40, 15, and 10 meters.[…]
Why? I really mean it.
The General Exam is nearly the same difficulty as the Technician Exam. Most VEs encourage examinees to take a stab at the General since there’s no harm in doing so. A 74% can be pretty easy with a little bit of educated guessing.
I think this will only accelerate the splintering in Amateur Radio that you see happening today. Modes that are expensive to get in to and/or require higher level knowledge is where you’ll find people looking to escape the hordes of poor operating habits and questionable on-air behavior.
no 20 meters?