‰  NOW 18 WPM transition file follows‰

Those interested in posting brief comments on Petitions for
Rulemaking, PRMs, to the FCC, such as the ARRL Technician
Enhancement proposal, RM 11828, using the Electronic Comment Filing
System, or ECFS, should access FCC Electronic Comment Filing System
Express at, //www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express .  In the Proceedings
field, enter the number of the PRM, e.g.  RM 11828, using this
format, complete all required fields, and enter brief comments in
the box provided. You may review your post before filing. All
information you provide, including name and address, will be
publicly available once you post your comments.  Visit How to
Comment on FCC Proceedings for additional information.  The FCC has
invited public comments on ARRLs 2018 Petition for Rule Making, now
designated as RM 11828, which asks the FCC to expand HF privileges
for Technician licensees to include limited phone privileges on 75,
40, and 15 meters, plus RTTY and digital mode privileges on 80, 40,
15, and 10 meters.  Interested parties have 30 days to comment. The
Technician enhancement proposals stemmed from the recommendations of
the ARRL Board of Directors Entry Level License Committee, which
explored various initiatives and gauged member opinions in 2016 and
2017.  Specifically, ARRL proposes to provide Technician licensees,
both present and future, with, Phone privileges at 3.900 to 4.000
MHz, 7.225 to 7.300 MHz, and 21.350 to 21.450 MHz.  RTTY and digital
privileges in current Technician allocations on 80, 40, 15, and 10
meters.  The ARRL petition points out the explosion in popularity of
various digital modes over the past 2 decades. Under the ARRL plan,
the maximum HF power level for Technician operators would remain at
200 W PEP. The few remaining Novice licensees would gain no new
privileges under ARRLs proposal.  The Entry Level License Committee
determined that the current Technician class question pool already
covers far more material than necessary for an entry level exam to
validate expanded privileges.  ARRL told the FCC that it would
continue to refine examination preparation and training materials
aimed at STEM topics, increase outreach and recruitment, work with
Amateur Radio clubs, and encourage educational institutions to
utilize Amateur Radio in STEM and other experiential learning
programs.

‰  END OF 18 WPM transition file ƒ