'Delete' Comments Cover Amateur Radio and a Slew of Other Topics
The FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” docket is active, with 159 filings as of late Tuesday. While big industry players haven't yet weighed in, comments so far represent a hodgepodge, mostly from individuals discussing pet projects. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr launched docket 25-133 last month (see 2503120055) as part of the agency’s commitment “to ending all of the rules and regulations that are no longer necessary.”
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Engineering firm Vantage Point Solutions proposed that the FCC eliminate the need to file a discontinuance application when carriers convert from time division multiplexing-based voice service to interconnected VoIP. “Rather than continuing to modify the rules pertaining to ‘technology transitions’ or granting waivers, the FCC should amend its regulations to eliminate the requirement to file a discontinuation application altogether when the transition involves conversion from TDM-based voice service to IVoIP,” Vantage said: As an alternative, “the FCC could require a simple notice filing without any approval requirements, filing fees, or evidentiary showings.”
The Technology Industry Council and the Mobile & Wireless Forum called on the FCC to adopt a policy allowing device makers to use QR codes on their products as an alternative to printed materials, text or URLs. “QR codes have become ubiquitous and well-accepted,” they said in a recap of a meeting with FCC staff. “There was general acceptance by the FCC of that statement, which aligns with the FCC’s Cyber Trust Mark initiative.”
SiriusXM Radio used the docket to report on a meeting with Erin Boone, acting chief of the Media Bureau and a top aide to Carr, on audio issues. Company representatives “discussed technological developments and the changing competitive landscape for audio services and the fact that those changes are not reflected in the Commission’s current rules and other requirements imposed on Sirius XM.”
CKC Certification Services, an FCC-approved certification lab, called on the commission to simplify the process for renewing the accreditation of telecom certification bodies. “Delete the interpretation on reassessment and instead focus on accreditation,” CKC said: “The FCC needs to simply keep the renewal deadlines 2 years from the prior scope of accreditation, allowing a consistent date cycle to be retained instead of forcing a regressing assessment cycle date. This will simplify the renewal assessment procedures and decrease barriers to trade.”
Alex Garcia-Osuna of Milford, Pennsylvania, urged that the FCC address RF-exposure-related health issues. “Revise exposure limits to reflect non-thermal effects and cumulative exposures,” Garcia-Osuna said: “Prioritize safer infrastructure, including wired broadband. Require public transparency, especially near homes and schools. Support independent research and health surveillance.”
Amateur radio operators filed numerous comments as well.
The Puerto Rico Digital Operators Group urged the FCC to delete the 56 kilobaud symbol rate limitation on the VHF and UHF amateur radio bands. “Given the rapid advancements in digital communication technologies, this restriction has become an unnecessary barrier to innovation, spectrum efficiency, and modern amateur radio experimentation,” it said.
The Open Research Institute asked the agency to address rules for the 219-220 MHz band, which is shared with the automated maritime telecommunications system, making it more readily usable by amateur operators. “We believe that eliminating … administrative barriers would benefit both services by reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining appropriate technical safeguards to prevent harmful interference,” the institute said.
“HAM Radio is one of the last wholesome, productive hobbies left in America. It's a lifesaver in areas as remote and inhospitable as mine,” said amateur operator Luke MacNeil. “It would be a mistake to discourage people from learning and experimenting with radio in a responsible manner.”