"D. Stussy" wrote in message . org...
On Tue, 1 Jul 2003, Steve Robeson, K4CAP wrote:

Since this is an "allocation" that is actually more like an
authorization for Amateurs to operate on several land mobile
frequencies for domestic purposes, I don't see why not. And I don't
see a need to make it only under declared emergencies, either. How are
these folks going to get the needed experience if they can't
participate in "routine" nets and exercises?

Why do you think they need to?

Why not?

The Technician license was never indended to be
the "general operating license" of the service, but more of an experimenter's
license (and lately, as the entry level class replacing the Novice class in
this respect). The "operating license" is actually reserved for the license
class called General.

Whatever it may ahve originally been intended for (In 1951) it's
certainly evolved past that...a long time ago.

I'm not saying that technician licensees aren't needed or are useless; just
that history says otherwise (as compared to what you said). If they were truly
interested in this sort of thing, then they would upgrade.

Most ARES and other public service stuff I know of locally is
already being conducted by NCT's. This "allocation" is not on a
traditional Amatuer Band, has significant restrictions on it's use to
prevent interference to other users, and pretty much puts everyone on
the "level playing field" as far as useage goes. These "channels" are
going to be for "plug and play" kind of use...Not traditional Amateur
useage, so why not let everyone have access? These will not be
DXCC/WAS/contest frequencies.

I think once the NCT's had some exposure and wanted to get past
the 50 watt/dipole only type of operation, they'll aspire to the
higher classes.

73

Steve, K4YZ