At the January 2014 ARRL Board of Directors meeting, a resolution was passed which asked for member feedback and input pertaining to the increasing popularity of data modes. The information gathered by this investigation is to be used by the HF Band Planning Committee of the Board as a means to suggest ways to use our spectrum efficiently so that these data modes may “compatibly coexist with each other.”  As per the resolution, the ARRL Board of Directors is now reaching out to the membership and requesting cogent input and thoughtful feedback on matters specific to digital mode operation on the HF bands.

The feedback may include, but is not limited to, the recent proposal the ARRL made to the FCC, RM 11708, regarding the elimination of the symbol rate restrictions currently in effect.

The Board of Directors believes that member input in the decision making process is both valuable and important as well as fostering a more transparent organization.  It is to this end that we open this dialogue.

Comments must be received no later than March 31, 2014 to be included in the Committee’s report to the Board at the July 2014 ARRL Board of Directors meeting.

Please e-mail your comments to: HF-Digital-Bandplanning@arrl.org

Concerned members may also contact their Division Director by mail, telephone or in person with any relevant information.

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WHEREAS the Board of Directors has received member input regarding the coexistence of various modes in the HF Data/RTTY subbands; and

WHEREAS it is important that all member voices be heard; and

WHEREAS in the opinion of the Board these issues are best addressed by education and prudent use of spectrum;

BE IT RESOLVED that the ARRL Board of Directors instructs the HF Band Planning Committee to reach out to membership regarding concerns pertaining to the increasing popularity of data modes, and furthermore investigate and suggest ways to use spectrum so that these data modes may compatibly coexist with each other; and

FURTHER to report their findings no later than the July 2014 ARRL Board meeting.