Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares this news from Radio World:
FCC Declines Request to Extend Comment Period on Shortwave Modernization Petition
A request by the Shortwave Modernization Coalition (SMC) for the FCC to amend its rules to allow fixed, long-distance, non-voice communications above 2 MHz and below 25 MHz has drawn a lot of interest, with 800 comments from observers being filed in the last 30 days. The proposal has drawn concerns from advocates for amateur radio.
However, the FCC decided not to extend the comment filing docket deadline, even after several groups requested it do so. Comments for RM-11953 were due July 31. Reply comments are welcome until Aug. 15. The proposal has drawn concerns from advocates for amateur radio.
The FCC’s Office of Managing Director in June asked for comments on the SMC proposal. It seeks to use multiple bands within the high frequency 2-25 MHz range for the transmission of time-sensitive data from fixed stations. The proposal would prohibit voice transmission and mobile operations. While the proposal excludes amateur bands, high power operations on immediately adjacent spectrum allocated to the Amateur Radio Service are being proposed. [Continue reading…]
The best way for amateur radio operators to retain spectrum is to fill it up so it won’t be tempting others looking for empty spectrum. The original FRC purpose was to prevent broadcasters from interfering with each other.
While it’s good to see innovative uses of the Short Wave spectrum, it is absolutely terrible to see the proposed use of bands that would likely adversely impact amateur transmissions.
I hope the proposal is knocked back and that the data companies are made to revise their proposals to ensure that they do not adversely affect amateur transmissions or public broadcasts.
73
Julian
I recall when newspapers used High Frequency radio to transmit faxes of pictures to distribute stories to affiliate papers around the world. I expect that no longer happens. What frequencies were used so they can be repurposed?
Since the proposed frequencies can travel very long distances this should be a topic for https://www.itu.int/wrc-23/
An actual data point as opposed to all the hand-wringing in this debate: https://twitter.com/Kiwi_SDR/status/1688468310831288320
I personally don’t care what the final outcome is.
Regards,
John ZL4VO/KF4VO
KiwiSDR