It’s Delete, Delete, Delete, not Create, Enhance, Advance

ARRL responded to the FCC Delete, Delete, Delete initiative with a wishlist including the elimination of several digital limitations, licensing changes, and the implementation of a 22 year old WRC / ITU third party traffic treaty requirement. I’m not sure if ARRL was attempting to appear like they’re doing something or if they’re just incredibly naive and couldn’t put two and two together with the current political climate. The purpose of Delete, Delete, Delete is not an opportunity to advance the radio art, increase technology enjoyment, or enhance the next generation of radio amateurs. It has merely two purposes: 1) slash costs at the FCC and 2) facilitate commercial interests and revenue through the elimination of regulations. It’s that simple.

ARRL seems to think they’re dealing with their grandfather’s FCC and it’s business as usual. It’s not. If anything, ARRL’s wish list illustrates the FCC’s disconnection with amateur radio and ARRL’s ineffectiveness at lobbying the FCC to keep amateur radio rules current the past two decades.

Regarding outdated FCC digital rules, here’s a little inconvenient reality I’m just going to throw out there: if you’re an experimenter and you want to unleash some new mode that exceeds bandwidth or symbol rate rules, be like Nike and JUST DO IT. Seriously. Just don’t QRM anyone. The FCC isn’t going to do anything. Both the FCC and ARRL have been totally oblivious to the de facto encryption in digital voice modes over the years, a clear rule violation. ARRL has never been a champion of open systems or taken the lead with digital technology standards. If you’re running some digital mode that runs afoul of FCC rules ARRL might send you a sternly-worded letter and complain to the FCC. When was the last time the FCC busted a ham for intentional technical violations? Just don’t speak out against the FCC or the administration on the air. More on that later.