EmCon rears it's head again

 With the comment period 9n the fcc's new rules proposal for 60 m the arrl has responded with a call to amateurs to comment on the proposal with specific emphasis on the use of the band for public service and the experiences of individual hanlms in that context.

This response from the league goes directly to what I have been saying all along about the league using emergency communications as the wedge to drive governmental policy as regards ham radio. Not only operating privileges but a whole host of issues such as regulations on antennas global installations and so on.

Like it or not, Newington obviously feels that emergency communication is the best argument they have for defending any and all of amateur radio operation.

Iirc, one of the purposes of granting amateurs access to the 60-m band was the desire for interoperability between amateur stations and the United States military. I can't think of anything, personally, that would negatively affect that interoperability than lowering licensed power levels to the relative equipment of citizens Bank. Indeed in looking over this new proposal from the commission I can't imagine what got into their heads, and what the purpose of this new rulemaking is. Perhaps some of you have some insight on that point.

All of that said, I will repeat what I said a couple of months ago: The constant drumbeat from some amateurs that amateur radio is not an emergency service may technically be correct but in my view of the league in their efforts to protect what operating privileges we have.

Now, anyone who's read any of my stuff goes that I'm no fan of the league, but in this at least they are correct. If there is in fact a stronger argument to be placed before the FCC then the standard SHTF scenario, I've yet to hear it.