Friday, February 24, 2012

New 60-Meter Rules in Effect as of March 5

The FCC's new rules for the 60-meter (5 MHz) band go into effect on March 5. There is one new frequency -- 5.357 MHz, replacing 5.368 MHz -- plus new modes and increased power. Operation in CW and certain digital modes will now be permitted (as well as USB voice) and the maximum power permitted on the band is increased to 100 watts ERP (relative to a dipole).
 
There's a chance that 60 meters may become a worldwide amateur allocation in a few years. The ARRL Letter reports that the delegates to the just-concluded World Radiocommunication Conference agreed to put the matter on the agenda for consideration at the next WRC in 2015.