A growing list of
countries is permitting amateur use of the 5 MHz band, in accordance with a
decision made at the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference. The ARRL Letter reports that Kuwait has opened 60 meters to ham use, Israel has extended a temporary authorization
through the end of 2023, and access is under consideration in Australia.
Nearly 80 countries now permit some level of amateur access to the 5-MHz band.
Here in the US,
the ARRL reports that an FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is expected soon on
adding the frequency range adopted at WRC-15 to the current five permitted
channels. The League has asked that current US power levels (which are higher
than the WRC-15 recommendations) be retained, while also keeping current US
frequencies in addition to the allocation approved at WRC-15.
