VHF PLUS

The FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) affecting the amateur allocation at 3.3 to 3.5 GHz became official and was assigned Docket/RM: 19-348, “Facilitating Shared Use in the 3.1-3.55 GHz Band.” Since many believe amateurs’ loss of the current allocation is a given, some have suggested that our allocation be moved to below 3.3 GHz. Even that is problematic as the adjacent slice of the spectrum at 3.1 to 3.3 GHz is included in the frequency range that Congress has identified for similar consideration. In December, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly referenced the fact that the slice of the spectrum from 3.1 to 3.3 GHz may also be considered as part of the mandate to make additional spectrum available under the MOBILE NOW ACT.1

Though the initial comment period concluded on February 21st the deadline for reply comments is March 23rd. As of late January, just under 200 comments had been filed. (). Most of those filing comments were amateurs involved with the Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN). Formed in