New FCC rules granting amateurs additional mode and power privileges on the 5-MHz band, along with one frequency swap, took effect on March 5. The new rules are complicated, though, and the ARRL has published a guide to keeping legal on the band. A summary of the guidelines will appear in May CQ's "Washington Readout" column. ARRL members may also find a detailed explanation in the April issue of QST.
UPDATE: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has indicated that it has no objection to digital modes other than PSK-31 and PACTOR-3, as long as they comply with power and bandwidth limitations. This occurred after both April QST and May CQ went to press. Please see <http://bit.ly/H1nVWs> for more details.
