.
This found its way into the comments of the recent blog posting about the 60m confusion…. I decided to keep it in comments but also post it here seeing that RAC took the time to address the issue…
The comments are cut and pasted here….
—————-
Bill Gade / RAC Regulatory Affairs Says: April 26, 2012 at 4:23 am |
Hey guys, Just a note on the conversation. I’ve heard of a few district offices that don’t have all the details on how to issue the development license. They are available however – if you still don’t have a favorable response – I’d gladly look into making sure they get some updated information on how to process your request.
While I’ve been saying for a while the actual changes are coming – RAC has been given a date in the last few days for the beginning of the 30 day window before the rules can finally go into effect for everyone.
If I can be of help – send an email to me – the best address is regulatory@rac.ca
—————
So thanks to Bill for looking into this matter and taking the time to comment on it… and if this is your first visit here please don’t be a stranger… If you have anything you want to share with the Amateur Radio Community send it to me in an email and I’ll cut and paste it into the Blog Posting giving you guest blogger status…
As Bill’s comment mentioned if you have any questions his email address is given above…
Thanks again Bill for taking the time to share the power with us…
73bob
Tags: 60m band, amateur radio, Canadian 60m band, Canadian 60m Operations, RAC, Radio Amateurs of Canada
April 26, 2012 at 3:07 pm |
It would be nice if Bill could share the date he mentions, with the readers of this blog. How about it Bill?
April 27, 2012 at 2:24 am |
The “should be simple” just name the date comes with some preamble… RAC has not be given a firm date before – just relative terms of “soon” or “in a few weeks”. So from my desk, it looks like a solid thing. But… sometimes the strangest things can happen to publications in government. So if the date turns out to be wrong – try to limit your disappointment – it would not be on purpose. Remember, I’m in regulatory affairs – my job is to make simple things complex. That being said…
May 5th 2012
Its a Saturday – which would be the beginning of the consultation process. Once its underway, its important we all file comments of support. From the drafts that were floated – we should see a proposal that not only gives us access to what the USA has, but may also provide up to two additional channels. Those additional channels would have relaxed restrictions compared to the five shared with the USA. I did not see the final version that went forward once IC was ready to publish – which I why I hedge a bit with the exact details of whats coming out. Its supposed to be good – but we’ll see the exact wording in a few days.
I have had a couple questions about “is it worth paying for it now”. That is up to the people who want to start using it right away. Once everyone gains access, you do not get a refund for unused time. Getting a development license today probably gives you a couple extra months use of the band.
There are other Canadian stations on the band already – so you will for sure have some “locals” to talk with in addition to anyone else you happen to catch.
For those who do have the development licenses… IC has asked I remind the community of a few important things:
- You MUST use the development call sign assigned on that development license and MUST NOT use your regular call sign on 60 Meters at this time (when in Canada)
- You MUST NOT use your development call sign should you be operating on 60 Meters while in the USA.