[Waverley ARS] (no subject)

[evdw at iprimus.com.au]

Hi All, 

the below arrived a couple of days ago but when I sent it on my webmail made
it an attachemnt rather than including it in the body of the message. My
apologies. Please note the date.

73....Eric VK2VE (currently in Singapore)

Washington, DC, April 1, 2008: 

In a bold move the Federal Communications Commission has decided to deregulate
the Amateur Radio Service. This comes at a time when budget cuts within the
Commission are forcing its Enforcement Bureau to shut down by 1 January 2009.


A spokesperson for the Commission stated that since Amateur Radio operators
are supposed to be self-policing that this new move "should not pose a problem".
And that it would also "solve the whole issue of restructuring". 

This news has come as quite a shock to many in the Amateur Radio community,
striking up many heated debates. "Basically we're being told that we're on
our own as of 1 January, 2008", said a high-level League staff member. 

In the interim between 2008 and 2010 Amateur Radio operators are expected
to act just as they do now. "Nothing's changed yet, and all the rules and
regulations are still in effect," said a spokesperson for the Commission.


All of this is set to change however, starting in 2009. On 1 January 2010
Amateur Radio in the United States will cease to exist as an official radio
service. At that time it will be up to the operators to make up their own
rules and regulations and to enforce them. 

To clarify one other issue, "call signs that have not already been issued
will all be available on the 'honor system'," said another Commission spokesperson.
The band-plans and power limitations are expected to stay the same. 

Look for more information on this late-breaking news story as it becomes
available. 

On another note... If you're still reading this, April Fools!!! 

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 
Very 73 de Cliff