420-440 mhz is currently used for repeater linking, ATV, and weak signal work. 450-470 mhz carries the bulk of commercial 2-way plus public safety in some areas. Here is what they plan to do with it:
Quote:
(1) AUCTION- Not later than 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the paired electromagnetic spectrum bands of 420-440 megahertz and 450-470 megahertz recovered as a result of the report and order required under subsection (c) shall be auctioned off by the Federal Communications Commission through a system of competitive bidding meeting the requirements of section 309 of the Communications Act of 1934.
Now if that isn't bad enough, here is some real stupidity (for those who understand the difference between VHF and 700/800mhz):
Quote:
(2) REQUIRE USE BY FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT- Not later than 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each Federal law enforcement agency shall move all of their communications, not being carried on commercial networks, to spectrum located in the 700 megahertz and 800 megahertz bands.
Hmm maybe there is a reason why IWN and USFS are on VHF. I wouldn't feel terribly comfortable using 700/800mhz in rural hilly/mountainous areas.
Not mentioned anywhere is where they expect all the commercial 2-way will move to. They probably didn't stop to think about the ramifications of trashing the nationwide UHF MedCom system either.
HR607 can be read in its entirety here:
HR607 Full TextAnd here is a sample letter of discontent for those inclined to take action on this:
http://www.arrl.org/sample-letters
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