From :      Jerry Oxendine cjoxendi@bellsouth.net>
To:        A4.A4(FCCINFO)
Date:      8/13/98 1:31am
subject:    Streamlining Amateur License Classes

Dear Sirs,

I can agree with the need for updating Amateur license classes.  I like
the idea of eliminating the 5 wpm CW element and allowing 13 wpm to be
the standard for entry to the HF bands.  The only drawback is that it
removes the progressive steps to learning CW in favor of all-or-nothing.
Many times the drawback for entry-level Hams is the Code, and aliminat-
ing the 5 wpm requirement for licenses below General may stop some folks
altogether.  I do not agree with EVER eliminating CW totally even tho
other countries and our military have done so.  The reason is that digi-
tal modes of communications rely heavily on fixed installations or sat-
tellites which can be successfully disabled by acts of war, terrorists,
or natural disasters.  This "ancient" mode of communications should not
become a fllost'f art since it can punch through when SSB or AM cannot.
I feel that SOME group of people should keep CW alive i.e., hams because
we can be pressed into civilian or military service should other means
of communications become unusable.

There is much need for enforcement of Amateur Rules and I lament the
reduction of funds to FCC which hampers your efforts to assist Hams and
other spectrum users by shutting down violators and scofflaws. I chafe
when I now hear CBers creeping up into the 10 Meter band with their
stupid, cutesey lingo and useless talk.
even be a "Chicken Band"!           If I had my way, there wouldn't

Amateurs now spend part of their time DFing pirates on VHF repeaters.
Perhaps it is time,  in the absence of future funds for FCC for enforce-
ment, to permit the Amateur Auxiliary more "punch" in attempting to
enforce the rules.  This by allowing them to issue warnings, once offen-
ders have been identified, copies of which to be forwarded to FCC who
then alerts the local US Marshal.  The Marshal then visits the offender
with a more personal warning.
warnings,              If the violator continues to ignore such
     it would be followed by arrest on appropriate charges.

Thanks for allowing me to comment.

Jerry Oxendine
K4KWH, Gastonia, NC 28054

From :       <Ad6ef@aol.coms
To:        A4.A4(FCCINFO)
Date:      8/12/98 12:2Oam
Subject:     Band Plan

Hello I am an amateur radio operator AD6EF first licensed in 1995 I worked
hard on upgrading and I now hold the extra class license my wife KE6UNT end
daughter XCE6VQJ are also ammeter radio operators. The three of us are very
concerned with the band plan as the A.R.R.L, is proposing. It is taking away
the incentive to upgrade and undermines the very foundation of ham radio which
is Morse code. It appears that the radio manufactures are winning their battle
that is just giving out a radio license with your radio purchase this is a
slap in the face to every ham who worked to upgrade his or her license. I hope
that you the FCC wont let big business ruin our hobby. Please say no to the
A.R.R.L we felt strong enough to drop out of their origination as they no
longer represent our interest in amateur radio thank you for reading this e-
mail Dale Kirk my home Address is 544 fourth st. Woodland CA. home phone
number is area code 530-666-5465 tnx 73

RECEIVE

AUG 13 1998

IGo. oi Copies rec'd  s
kif3ABCDE

From :     Bald Eagle cDBRISLINKC8IEY@webtv.net>
To:        A4.A4(SSEGAL)
Date:      8/13/98 8:32m
subject:     C.W.
i have been a ham for the past four and a half yrs and i don't see any
problem with the changes that are proposed for tech. and novice.
the only thing i see is that there would be more general class holders
if the c w test was dropped to 10 words a minute. this way there would
be an increase in radio sales and i feel that this is what it is all
about, the company8 that build radios want to sell more and if the code
was dropped just a little the would.

Thank You

kc8iey

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AUG 13 1998