Subj : Arkansas Section News
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri Dec 23 2022 00:40:52

BRRRR

I hope everyone is able to stay on the warm side of the door!

As you know, the ham radio station (KB5LZK) at the Arkansas Division of
Emergency Management (ADEM) has historically been one of the most used
WinLink gateways for hurricane-affected areas. This is mostly due to
our distance away from the reporting agencies, but partly because of our
ability to do Pactor 4. I am sure you are aware that Pactor 4 is a much
higher speed mode than what is usually allowed by the FCC rules. The
FCC issues Special Temporary Authorizations (STA) that allows Pactor 4
during times of need, and ADEM stepped up to purchase the necessary
equipment. There has been a petition to change the FCC rule in front of
them since 2013, but the FCC has so far failed to come to a decision.
Director AJ Gary signed a letter in support of the change this past
year, joining several State Emergency Management agencies. (Thank you,
AJ)

On December 1, 2022, Rep. Debra Lesko of Arizona introduced a bill in
the House of Representatives that will compel the FCC to do exactly what
we have been asking. Hopefully this bill will sail through to become
law in the shortest time possible. 

I wanted everyone to have the latest information on this important
topic. Please contact me if you have questions.

Very respectfully,

J.M. Rowe
Arkansas SHARES/RACES/ESF 2 Liaison Officer
Chair, Arkansas COMU Working Group
Member, Policy and Technology Working Groups
Member, Arkansas Wireless Information Network Executive
Committee
At-Large Member, SAFECOM
N5XFW/NND6EM/WRVE655

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ARRL Arkansas Section
Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
n5lke@arrl.org
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 * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

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