ARRL's restructuring plan & the FCC.

[KG6JTB]

I'm just curious exactly how much influence the ARRL has over rulemaking at the FCC.

I also wonder if the FCC really cares one way or the other about "free-tech-upgrades" or license class changes in general. Seems to me that FCC only cares about streamlining the system, and the ARRL is worried about member bodies. Most techs don't join the ARRL because they still feel like "pledges" in the ham radio fraternity. My assumption, no evidence that this is the case.

Given the past history of ARRL suggestions, has the ARRL ever "always" got what it wanted?

I also want to make one other comment... I think that the ham enthusiasts of the future won't be the dumbed down products of easy-testing. Most new hams will have no experience in radio (vs. those of us that came from CB) and will have a real willingness to learn. I welcome the suggested change if only to be truly reaching out to youth. I hope that those with the experience will do a good job elmering and mentoring the new crowd. That is the key to survival of our great hobby, not some silly entrance test.

Dave
KG6JTB

[ka5s]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KG6JTB @ Jan. 25 2004,07:58)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I'm just curious exactly how much influence the ARRL has over rulemaking at the FCC.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Less than it wants, and more than it thinks.

Because it is an organized body of people more or less concerned about the same things, and serious (or we'd not BE members) about them, too, when the ARRL says something, the FCC pays more attention to it than if only a couple of curmudgeons (who, me?) pipe up.

However, when a Congressman who has the power to carry out the threat, says he is going to cut the FCC's funding and abolish it, the ARRL's influence is vanishingly small.

Against that is the headache we can be for the Commission when we are mobilized - which the League is able to do. The FCC staff must have gone NUTS over there dealing with all the BPL Comments and Reply Comments we filed. (Not to mention pro-CW, anti-CW, reconstruct this/deconstruct that stuff.)
I think the Commission would MUCH rather hear from the ARRL than thousands of us individually.

Cortland

[KD5WBJ]

Hopefully the money lovin relay leeg has no pull.
I'd rather see BPL destroy ham radio than the cb'er influx we're about to get.
C'mon BPL, put us out of our misery.
Mike