Reversing
a long-standing policy intended to protect simplex users on 2 meters, the ARRL
has approved the use of national simplex frequency 146.52 MHz for making
contest contacts during ARRL-sponsored VHF contests. The change takes effect as
of the 2016 ARRL January VHF contest. The new policy was recommended by the League's "VHF and Above Revitalization Committee," which is hoping the change will encourage more new licensees to discover and enjoy VHF contesting. The committee concluded that the current restriction is no longer necessary, due to reduced activity on the 2-meter band.
Note:
There has been no change to date in the rules for the CQ World Wide VHF
Contest, which continue to prohibit contest contacts on 146.52 or other
countries' designated national simplex frequencies.
