ARRL Call to Action in Defense of Part 97 Allocations in the 3 and 5 GHz Bands

The FCC WT Docket 19-348 and WT Docket 19-138 will severely curtail growth of one of the newest and most effective means for Amateurs to support emergency communications.  Existing installations will be severely curtailed or, with no reasonable alternatives, be forced to cease operations.  Thousands of hams have built or are in the process of constructing high-speed data networks in the 3 & 5 GHz ham microwave allocations.

Background

AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network) was an outgrowth of the ARRL working group on High-Speed Multimedia (HSMM).  It has evolved over the past 10-12 years from its first implementation by Broadband Hamnet (BBHN).  Over the years the AREDN Project has developed software support for nearly 70 commercial wireless routers---moving them from their Part 15 allocation into adjacent Part 97 allocations in the .9, 2, 3, and 5 GHz bands---providing an inexpensive and easy way for hams to implement high-speed (up to 144 Mbps) data networks in support of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), Non-governmental Agencies (NGOs) and first responders.  The project has twice been recognized by the league for the significance of its achievements by awarding the Project the ARRL Microwave Development Award in 2014 and 2018.
...