630 & 2200 Meters to Open as Early as October 16, 2017

CQ MF/LF Editor John Langridge, KB5NJD/WG2XIQ, reports that the PLC (Power Line Communications) database is live and that hams may begin operating on 472 kHz (630 meters) and 137 kHz (2200 meters) as early as October 16 if they register today and receive no objection in the next 30 days. Hams may not operate on the bands without going through this process.

The link to the sign-up page is here: https://utc.org/plc-database-amateur-notification-process/

The effective date for use of the new bands by amateurs was published in today's Federal Register. The relevant pages are at: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-09-15/pdf/2017-19578.pdf

The FCC's Public Notice is at: http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2017/db0915/DA-17-893A1.pdf

John is asking all amateurs to register, even if they don't plan to use these bands in the near future, as the FCC rules prohibit UTC (the Utilities Technology Council) from deploying PLC in these bands
closer than 1 kilometer from registered stations. Registration now will protect your ability to use our new MF/LF bands in the future.