12/08/2023

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published new rules[1] adopted last
month that replace the symbol rate restrictions on the HF bands with a
bandwidth limit of 2.8 kHz. The new rules go into effect January 8, 2024.

The bands and band segments affected by the rules change are those authorized
for data transmission between 160 and 10 meters, exclusive of 60 meters (where
no change was made).

In adopting a bandwidth limit in place of the baud rate limit the FCC agreed
with ARRL that some limitation is necessary because "without a baud rate or
bandwidth limit, data stations using a large amount of spectrum for a single
emission could do so to the detriment of simultaneous use by other stations
using narrowband emission modes."

ARRL has advocated for this change for a long time. The move opens amateur data
communications to faster and more modern modes and restores the incentive for
amateurs to experiment with and develop faster and more efficient data methods.
Previously, ARRL obtained waivers to the symbol rate rules on a case-by-case
basis to facilitate communications during situations like hurricane responses.
These delays will now be removed, permitting drills to be conducted with the
faster modes and more timely responses when needed.

The FCC also requested comment on removing similar symbol rate restrictions in
the rules governing 135.7 - 137.8 kHz (2200-meter band), 472 - 479 kHz
(630-meter band), and the very high-frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency
(UHF) bands.

The VHF bands with baud rates are the 6-meter band, 2-meter band, and the
1.25-meter band. The single UHF band with a baud rate is the 70-centimeter band
(420 - 450 MHz). The Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making[2] (FNPRM) proposes
to maintain the existing bandwidth limits in the Commission's rules for these
VHF and UHF bands but seeks comment on whether they should be kept, and if so,
whether the bandwidths should be changed. The Commission also sought comment on
whether bandwidth limits should be adopted for application to the 2200 and
630-meter bands, and if so, what an appropriate bandwidth limit would be.

Public comments on these additional issues are sought in the FNPRM. The comment
period is open until January 8, 2024. Replies to comments are due no later than
January 22, 2024. If changes are later adopted, the rules will go into effect
in the same manner as they did for the other bands -- after notice and
publication in the Federal Register.

[1] https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/12/07/2023-26770/amateur-radio-service-rules-to-permit-greater-flexibility-in-data-communications
[2] https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/12/07/2023-26769/amateur-radio-service-rules-to-permit-greater-flexibility-in-data-communications

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