AG17
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 17  ARLB017
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  June 17, 2019
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB017
ARLB017 ARRL Files Interim Report with FCC in 'Symbol Rate' 
Proceeding

ARRL has filed an interim report with the FCC in order to report on
its efforts to find common ground regarding issues surrounding the
'symbol' or 'baud' rate proceeding, FCC Docket WT 16-239 (the FCC
has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in WT 16-239, which
stemmed from ARRL's rulemaking petition RM-11708).

The NPRM can be found online in PDF format at,
https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/0728122180423/FCC-16-96A1.pdf .  The
ARRL interim report can also be found online at,
https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filing/10612301212113 .

ARRL highlighted that the public benefits from the FCC's 'fairly
flexible' regulation of Amateur Radio. In particular, innovative
developments in digital technology, including WSJT-X, were cited.

Noting that more than 1,400 comments in total have been filed in
this and on a related rulemaking petition (RM-11831), ARRL pointed
out that, as in other Commission-regulated areas, adapting current
regulations to rapidly evolving technology presents challenges that
may require adjustments to, or clarifications of, the governing
regulations. Making such adjustments can be a challenge to ensure
that valid regulatory purposes continue to be served without
stymieing technological change and innovation in the process.

While a June 11 meeting organized by ARRL had to be reset to
accommodate the invited parties, ARRL has re-affirmed its commitment
to protecting the interests of all amateurs. ARRL said it will
continue to pursue its efforts to address and reconcile differing
opinions expressed in the two matters now pending before the FCC.