WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) reintroduced the Amateur Radio Communications Improvement Act to eliminate the current Symbol Rate Limit set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and replace it with a 2.8 kilohertz (kHz) bandwidth limit. The bill brings regulations up to speed with modern technological advances in amateur radio.

“Increased amounts of data can be put on the spectrum due to advances in modern technology, so there is little need for the FCC to place limits on symbol rates,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “That is why I am proud to reintroduce this important legislation to update the FCC’s rules and increase the speed of transmission so that amateur radio operators can more efficiently and effectively transmit messages during times of crisis, such as natural disasters.”

“ARRL extends its deepest appreciation to Congresswoman Debbie Lesko for her continued leadership on behalf of Amateur Radio licensees, and her supportive actions on communications issues that impact her constituents and the nation,” said Amateur Radio Relay League’s (ARRL) Legislative Committee. “The introduction of the Amateur Radio Communications Improvement Act by Congresswoman Lesko to remove a long-outdated symbol rate limit restricting the speed of amateur digital transmissions will substantially increase the ability of amateur radio to provide more timely and efficient message handling during natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and forest fires. Congresswoman Lesko’s foresight in introducing this legislation will serve as a model for the elimination of regulatory barriers to more intensive spectrum sharing.”

This legislation eliminates the Symbol Rate Limit in 47 CFR part 97, and replace it with the 2.8kHz bandwidth limit. 2.8kHz is already used to set the maximum bandwidth of an amateur station in the 60-meter band.

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