My $.02 Worth.....
@Michael C. What are you smoking? Taking spectrum away from HAMS? Ham Radio is NO LONGER needed for emergency communications? Tell that to Hams in California who are AS I TYPE THIS assisting emergency workers in their effort in fighting the wildfires.
Drop 800-900 Mhz. for home phones? Okay. But YOU lead the charge in confiscating every phone from the MILLIONS of homes that have them. I'd LOVE to hear just how many times the REAL cops are called on you and you're hauled off to jail as a result.
Okay sure decomission old satellite systems in lieu of digital systems. Even I'll go with you on that. But score one for you.
@Peter Simpson 1 - Michael C must have some sort of hybrid HT antenna that will access the OSCAR satellites that not even the most avid satellite-savvy Hams know about. Same thing with his battery power. I wonder what that source might be.
@David Kelly 2 - You're right. Digital modes ARE NOT the cure-all BUT there's always such modes as PACKET RADIO. No reason why they can't be made available for commercial use on some frequencies & bands. Given the right equipment, they do have a purpose to serve in emergency communications.
True Ham Radio doesn't need infrastructure. But it still needs to adapt to change times. If it doesn't, IT WILL DIE. Emergency communications alone isn't enough to keep people interested & the hobby afloat. Hams must be able to be innovative with new technologies. This won't be possible if the Amateur Radio Service is either killed off by a bunch f know-nothing politicians or people in general just simply interest.
Like it or not - Those are the facts folks. Plain & simple.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
