Fellow hams,
On February 10, 2011, Rep. Peter King (R-NY), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, introduced H.R. 607, the “Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011,” which has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee (which handles telecommunications legislation). The bill addresses certain spectrum management issues including the creation and maintenance of a nationwide Public Safety broadband network. H.R. 607 lists, among the bands to be reallocated for commercial auction within ten years of the passage of the Bill, the paired bands 420-440 MHz and 450-470 MHz. HR 607 is a direct threat to our limited spectrum and the ARRL encourages all amateurs to appropriately voice their opposition to this bill.
I have posted a sample letter on Pages & Links that you may wish to send to your representative. The ARRL is requesting that these letters be sent to attorney John Chwat, Chwat & Co., 625 Slaters Lane, Suite 103. Alexandria VA 22314. Chwat & Co. is the lobbying firm for the ARRL. You may also fax your letter to 703-684-7594.
In Southern California, the Church ERC network relies heavily upon the Southern California Intermountain Repeater Association (SCIRA) system of 440 repeaters. I hope you will let your voice be heard in opposition to H.R. 607.
73,
Mark, N7YLA
