The ARRL reports that response to its survey on potential
changes to entry-level licensing were overwhelming, with some 8000 responses
received rather than the 1500 it expected, according to the ARRL Letter. Last year, the League's
board of directors created a committee to study possible changes to entice more
people into amateur radio, with a focus on either revamping the Technician
license or recommending creation of a new entry-level license.
Committee Chairman and ARRL New England Division Director
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, said he originally thought a new license class might be the
best approach but is now leaning toward re-examining both the privileges and
the exam requirements for the Technician license. He is tentatively looking toward
expanded HF digital privileges for Techs, along with aligning the exam
questions with the operating privileges offered by the license. The committee
plans to make its recommendations to the full ARRL board at its next meeting in
July.
