http://www.arrl.org/news/view/fcc-grants-temporary-waiver-to-permit-higher-symbol-rate-data-transmissions-for-hurricane-ida-traffi ARRL Website Search [Keyword ] [Category ] [GO] Call Sign / Name Search [Search Licensees ] [GO] 0 items Secure Site Login [Login] Forgot Password? Register * Home * On The Air * Licensing, Education & Training * Membership * Regulatory & Advocacy * Public Service * Technology * Get Involved * ARRL Store * About ARRL * News & Features News FCC Grants Temporary Waiver to Permit Higher Symbol Rate Data Transmissions for Hurricane Ida Traffic 08/29/2021 The FCC has granted an ARRL emergency request for a temporary waiver intended to facilitate relief communications in the wake of Hurricane Ida. The waiver was orally granted on Saturday, August 28, and immediately permitted amateur data transmissions related to Hurricane Ida traffic to employ a higher symbol rate for data transmissions than the current limit of 300 baud. ARRL pointed out in its request that Amateur Radio Emergency Service(r) (ARES(r)) members are working with federal, state, and local emergency management officials to assist with disaster relief. Many use radio modems and personal computers capable of using digital protocols and modes that would permit faster messaging rates than normally permitted under the FCC's rules. ARRL pointed out that higher data rates can be critical to timely transmission of relief communications, such as lists of needed and distributed supplies. In 2016, in response to an ARRL petition for rulemaking, the FCC proposed to remove the symbol rate limitations, which it tentatively concluded had become unnecessary due to advances in modulation techniques and no longer served a useful purpose. That proceeding, WT Docket 16-239, is still pending. ARRL sought the waiver for radio amateurs directly involved with hurricane relief on HF using high-speed data transmissions, and the FCC orally granted the emergency temporary waiver for traffic related to Hurricane Ida. The temporary waiver is good until a written decision is made on ARRL's request that would cover the remainder of the hurricane season. Pursuant to ARRL's request and similar to written waivers granted by the FCC in earlier years, to qualify, a protocol or mode exceeding the 300 baud symbol rate limit must (1) be publicly documented, (2) use no more bandwidth than the currently permissible slower protocols (generally accepted to be the bandwidth of an SSB signal, or 2.8 kHz), and (3) be used solely for communications related to Hurricane Ida. ARRL is hopeful that the FCC will grant a longer-term waiver this week to enable planning and communications for any additional hurricanes this season. Photo Gallery * [ARRL_Diamo] * [ares-cl-lr] Back Back to Top Having Trouble? News & Features >> News * News + ARRL News: Coronavirus COVID-19 * ARRL Audio News * ARRL Periodicals Archive Search * QST * On the Air Magazine * QEX * NCJ * ARRL Letter * News Tips * Doctor * So Now What? * Eclectic * ARRL Magazines Website Search [Keyword ] [Category ] [GO] Call Sign / Name Search [Search Licensees ] [GO] Explore ARRL * On The Air Special Event Stations, DXCC Program, W100AW & W1AW QSLs via Bureau, Amateur Code, Operating Resources, Centennial QSO Party, NPOTA, Operating Specialties, International Grid Chase 2018, Hiram Percy Maxim 150th Birthday Celebration, Awards, Contests, Logbook of the World, QSL Service, Cycle 25, Amateur Radio Direction Finding, W1AW, Transatlantic Licensing, Education & Training License Certificates, Courses & Training, Get on the Air, Volunteer Instructors/Mentors, Amateur Radio in the Classroom, Volunteer Examiners, Getting Licensed, FCC License Info and Forms , What is Ham Radio, Learning Programs Membership Member Directory, myARRL, Membership Certificate, Blind Membership, Join ARRL/Renew Membership, member feedback, Dues Increase FAQ, Member Support, Techquestion, Membership Levels, Please Confirm Your Information, Member Benefits, Member Discounts * Regulatory & Advocacy State and Local, Volunteer Consulting Engineer Program, Volunteer Counsel Program, Antenna Regulation and Zoning, CCR Study Information, International, Federal RFI Preemption, Technical Relations Office, Federal, Volunteer Monitor Resources, Volunteer Monitor Program Public Service NTS Manual, Public Service Resources, NTS, Volunteer Form for Deployment Consideration, Puerto Rico - Caribbean Recovery 2017, 2018 Hurricanes, Hurricane Maria - 2017, Hurricane Irma - 2017, Hurricane Harvey Response, 2019 Hurricanes, Ham Aid, 2020 Hurricanes, SKYWARN Recognition Day, Served Agencies and Partners , 2021 Hurricanes, ARES, Public Service Honor Roll Technology ARRL References, Tech Tips, Radio Technology Topics, ARRL Lab, Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), Tech Portal * Get Involved Clubs, Volunteer Opportunities, The ARRL Foundation, Recruiting & Outreach, Youth, Donate to ARRL, Collegiate Amateur Radio, Hamfests and Conventions Calendar Publications & Online Store ARRL Publication Dealers, ARRL Store, List all Products, Return Policy, Customer Service/Support, Shipping and Tax, Product Notes About ARRL Site Index, Centennial, Privacy Policy, ARRL Strategic Plan, Copyright, Advertising and Other Business Opportunities, ARRL on the Purpose of Amateur Radio, General Information, Library, Ideas , ARRL Social Media, Media and Public Relations, Visit Us, Contact ARRL, Employment Opportunities, Organization Structure ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio^(r) 225 Main Street Newington, CT, 06111-1400 USA Tel: 1-860-594-0200 | Fax: 1-860-594-0259 Toll-free: 1-888-277-5289 hq@arrl.org Contact ARRL The ARRL is a member-society and International Secretariat of the International Amateur Radio Union. * Donate Now * Join / Renew Your Membership * Advertise With Us * Terms of Use / Privacy Policy * E-mail to a Friend * Sign Up for Our Newsletter RSS