Thread Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post Archive through June 08, 2001 vernonott 1  1  6-08-01  12:35 pm   Closed: New threads not accepted on this page

Author Message   Copper_Fan Posted on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 4:56 pm:        I thought this was interesting! Getting CB's 155-Mile Rule Dropped! A formal petition for rulemaking has been filed, urging the FCC to eliminate the CB radio 155.3 mile distance of communications limitation. Section 95.413(a)(9) of the FCC’s Part 95 Rules (found within CB Rule 13) is the single most annoying and ineffective restriction to utilizing the 40 legal CB channels. The petition has been formally accepted for filing at the FCC and they have assigned a Rule Making (RM) number, RM-9807. The action is now published in the Federal Register and at the FCC Web site. Comment and reply comment periods were open briefly, and now we're in the "late-filed comment" period. If comments are favorable, it goes to the five Commissioners for a majority vote. This is not the end of the process. That vote is only to establish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) docket. At this point, the actual proposed new rules appear, verbatim. Again, it is put out to the public for comment and reply comment. Then, comments and possible further changes are considered. The bureau staff will issue a Report and Order (R&O) to the bureau chief for his review. The R&O may be tweaked, and must be "rubber-stamped" up the bureaucratic ladder. Ultimately, the docket goes to the five commissioners for a final collegial vote. They may vote by circulating and signing the docket, or vote aloud during an open meeting, as a regular agenda item. This really makes the commissioners look like a bunch of good guys before the press cameras! Hopefully, in the coming weeks, a docket number will be assigned, and the matter opened up for public comment. Check the FCC Web site at http://www.fcc.gov for the latest official action. The Commission now allows for on-line filing of comments at the site, a great way for your voice to be heard on any number of pending matters. You can mail your written comments to: FCC – The Portals 445 – 12th Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20554   707 Posted on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 11:51 pm:        I have not looked at the petition as yet,but it does look interesting, indeed. The "FRS" band should most certainly be able to take over where CB left off many years ago, in providing reliable short range communications during the day and night. The only problem I can see with the CB legislation will be enforcement of any kind of power limit. I believe that even if the petition is accepted, the FCC should still keep an ear and DF up for those who abuse the band, not necessarily with excessive power, but irresponsible interference and splatter. IF we can be allowed to run lotsa watts in a "clean" manner, much as amateur radio does, then things will stay in check and we can all enjoy unfettered hobby DXing. However, the amateur radio lobbyists may have another view on this subject. This might be perceived as yet another threat to the dwindling HF community, by allowing those who might have moved on to the ham arena to instead remain on 11m to satisfy the urge to radiate.