Just went to the ARRL web page to check on som evanity call stuff and saw
that the LEO people have not given up. On th econtrary, they have added
219-225 MHz (or so) to their "wish list" for consideration at a March WRC-97
working group meeting.
ARRL says help out again. This time they want it all. There goes the VHF
ham bands unless we get the power brokers in DC to kill this cockroach before
it gets into the refrigerator again.
An idea. e-Mail to the usual suspects, but this time write Vice Pres. Al
Gore and Pres. Bill Clinton. Tell them that the VHF ham bands are used today
by untold numbers of SCHOOLS in this country to provide direct experience for
students in middle schools in orbital mechanics, digital communications and
satellite networking --- all critical skills for Americans to have as the
recently auctioned spectrum is "built-out" to provide the next century
wireless technologies. Tell them that school use of the VHF ham bands as
teaching tools can be SPOTLIGHTED as a successful part of their "Centerpiece
Education" program, a part that is already in use, benefiting potentially
millions of kids. This is all threatened by the planned grab by the LEO
industry. LEO's don't need these bands, other bands are in use, and other
technology provides the same services in the newly auctioned spectrum. And
they wouldn't want to de-value the new spectrum by causing a glut --- a glut
that would jeopardize the anticipated revenue from future auctions.
We've got to get more that just US up in arms about this.
Next, go out and flood the FCC with applications for a club station license
for every middle school anywhere near your club or QRP organization. They're
free of charge, they indicate use of the bands, and they can spark hams
coming together to get students into space com, QRP, antennas, etc.
I hope no flame suit is appropriate for this tirade. Just let's get moving!
72 de KR4GL
John Foote
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