Michael Coslo wrote:
wrote:
Dee Flint wrote:
wrote in message
groups.com...
Dee Flint wrote:
wrote in message
legroups.com...
Dee Flint wrote:
Or perhaps FCC thinks that anybody who really wants HF should just go
for General or Extra.
But what would be the rationale of giving the priveliges of a class that
tehy chose to remove (not test for, and eventually merge with
Technician) earlier?
I'm not sure what you're getting at, Mike.
05-235 isn't just an NPRM, and it isn't just about Element 1. It's
actually FCC's response to the 18 petitions, and denies most of
what was requested, with explanations of FCC's reasoning.
For example, FCC states that they see a 3-license-class system
as the correct number of license classes to work towards. They
specifically deny four-class and two-class suggestions (sorry, Hans -
FCC obviously read your ideas and disagreed).
Yet at the same time FCC doesn't want free upgrades, giveaways, more
complexity in the license structure, nor anybody to lose privileges.
FCC also doesn't see any need for a new entry level license, nor
changes
in the subband structure, nor big changes in the written test methods.
All this is spelled out in detail in 05-235. It's not speculation nor
interpretation.
One by one, almost all the proposed changes are denied by FCC. All that
is left up for grabs is the one remaining code test, which FCC proposes
to eliminate.
As I've said before, I'm surprised it took FCC this long. When FCC
wrote in the R&O for 98-143 that the only reason Element 1 was being
retained was the treaty, the future was pretty clear.
The only testing difference between a Tech and Tech Plus/Tech- with-HF
is that the latter passed Element 1 and the former did not.
The latter
has some HF privileges and the former has none.
The FCC says that Element 1 is no longer necessary, and
proposes
to remove it completely. If someone accepts that reasoning, it
follows that all Techs should have the same privileges - but that's not what FCC proposes?!
The only explanation I can think of is that FCC is looking for
long-range simplification. Perhaps what FCC wants in the long
term is for all entry-level licensees to be on VHF/UHF only,
and require at least a General for HF.
It is hard to say what the FCC was thinking. However perhaps
they too are
looking at the statistics and interpret it as no need for the
introductory
license to have HF privileges. Afterall the Novice are
declining at a fast
enough pace that it looks like almost none are active and that almost all
are failing to renew. They can easily go into the data as they have it and
see how many Tech Pluses actually upgraded, let themselves
lapse, or simply
renewed. The last indicating a low activity level and/or
interest level since they have not upgraded.
The number of upgrades isn't easily obtained from the database, though.
Also, they may be thinking that this keeps the minimum number
to tests to
get onto HF at least at two. The Novices had to take two and
Techs after
April 2000 had to take two to get on HF. Prior to that, Techs had to take 3
tests to get on HF (Novice written, Tech written, and code).
True enough!
And when you consider that the old, pre-restructuring 20 wpm *Extra*
was earned by at least one third-grader at the age of 8,
it's a bit hard to accept that the written tests are "too hard".
(OTOH, the same can be said about the code tests...)
They also discussed the concept that they do not want Techs to stay at the
Tech level. They consider upgrading as a significant element
in individuals
fulfilling the basis and purpose of ham radio (i.e. self
training, etc).
Allowing the Technicians some HF privileges reduces the
motivation to
upgrade. And the FCC repeately referred to the Techs being
able to get on
HF by taking the simple written test to upgrade to General.
It gets more and more interesting. Sounds like a rebirth of
Incentive Licensing.
THey better call it something else! ;^)
Why? FCC specifically uses the term "incentives" and says the primary
incentive is spectrum space. They say such incentives will not be
removed. In the discussion where FCC denies automatic upgrades and
expansion of privileges for various license classes, FCC says such
things are disincentives to upgrading.
In fact if you read the document carefully, there's a bit of a tone
that says 'how easy do you want us to make it? We're saying we'll
dump the code test. If you want the privs, take the tests!'
Think about it: FCC saying that it's *not OK* to stay a Tech!?!
That upgrading is part of being a good ham and supporting the
Basis and Purpose...
Works for me!
Yup.
It's clear where FCC wants things to go. Start out the beginners on
VHF/UHF,
offering HF/MF as the big incentive to get a General. Those who want
those
little pieces of HF and a fancy callsign can go for Extra.
They're also clearly saying that anybody with an existing license will
be
able to upgrade by just taking a written test, so what's the problem?
Are the
tests really so hard, and VE sessions so difficult to access?
Eventually the closed-off license classes will disappear from the
database, and
the rules governing them will be removed.
--
Another idea:
Suppose Element 1 is eliminated, but the number of US hams continues to
decline.
What will be the fix then?
73 de Jim, N2EY
313