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<H3>FCC Reaffirms Statement on ROS</H3>
<DIV>March 4, 2010</DIV></DIV>
<P>In mid-February, European amateurs first used a new, experimental digital
mode known as <A href="http://rosmodem.wordpress.com/" target=_blank>ROS</A>. On
February 23, 2010 -- after FCC review of the original documents provided from
the developer's Web site -- the FCC made the following statements on ROS:</P>
<P>"<A href="http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/octqtr/pdf/47cfr97.305.pdf" target=_blank>Section 97.305</A> is the rule that specifies where different
emission types are allowed to be transmitted on different bands. 'ROS' is viewed
as 'spread spectrum,' and the creator of the system describes it as that. We
assume that he knows what he created. [Section] 97.305 authorizes spread
spectrum emission types (defined in <A href="http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/octqtr/pdf/47cfr97.3.pdf" target=_blank>Section 97.3</A>) to be transmitted by FCC licensed amateur
stations at places we regulate communications only on 222-225 MHz and higher
frequency amateur bands. European telecommunication regulatory authorities may
authorize amateur stations in Europe to use SS on the HF bands, but this is of
no concern to us. The Commission does not determine if a particular mode 'truly'
represents spread spectrum as it is defined in the rules. The licensee of the
station transmitting the emission is responsible for determining that the
operation of the station complies with the rules. This would include determining
the type of emission the station is transmitting and that the frequencies being
used are authorized for that type of emission."</P>
<P>Since that initial FCC review, several Internet sites have reported a claim
-- attributed to the FCC -- that the original statements made had been
reconsidered and that the FCC view was now that "ROS cannot be viewed as Spread
Spectrum and it would be encompassed within <A href="http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/octqtr/pdf/47cfr97.309.pdf" target=_blank>Section 97.309</A> (RTTY and data emissions codes)."</P>
<P>When queried about this new statement, the FCC's Consumer Assistance Office
stated that "[T]he information contained on the ROS Web site was <I>not</I>
provided by the FCC." They then reaffirmed the original statements that
originated from the FCC's Wireless Bureau, which handles Amateur Radio rules for
the US.</P>
<P>The ARRL supports -- as one of the basic purposes of Amateur Radio -- the
experimentation and advancing the technical skills of operators. The development
and use of any new mode is exciting to many amateurs, and the League encourage
amateurs to experiment within the parameters of the rules; however, the ARRL
also reminds US licensees that according to <A href="http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/octqtr/pdf/47cfr97.307.pdf" target=_blank>Section 97.307</A>, spread spectrum communications are only
permissible in the US on frequencies above 222
MHz.</P></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>