FCC approves temporary waiver for PACTOR 4 Communications

Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
FCC Grants 60-day Waiver Permitting Pactor 4 Use for Disaster Relief

September 17, 2020 -- The FCC has granted ARRL's request for a temporary waiver to permit amateur data transmissions at a higher symbol rate than currently permitted by section 97.307(f) of the FCC amateur service rules. The FCC acted to facilitate hurricane and wildfire relief communications within the US and its territories.

ARRL sought the waiver for amateur radio licensees directly involved with hurricane and wildfire relief via HF using PACTOR 4 modems for communication within the US and its territories, relative to several impending hurricane situations and wildfires in the western US. ARRL's petition noted that Section 97.307(f) of the amateur rules prevents the use of PACTOR 4, a data protocol that permits relatively high-speed data transmission. ARRL also noted that past FCC temporary waivers have allowed this protocol during similar events. The waiver is limited to 60 days and is for use by amateurs involved in communications in support of US western wildfire relief and hurricane recovery

FCC Grants Temporary Waiver to Permit PACTOR 4 for Emergency Communications
 
Mar 12, 2008
557
Jeanneau 49 DS San Pedro, CA
I’m surprised that the FCC hasn’t approved the PACTOR-4 yet for regular usage.