the fcc has proposed dropping the 5 wpm morse code element as a requirement to obtain an amateur radio license of any class. the commission recommended the change to its part 97 amateur service rules in a notice of proposed rule making (nprm) in wt docket 05-235. any rule changes proposed in the nprm would not become final until the fcc gathers additional public comments, formally adopts any changes to its rules and concludes the proceeding by issuing a report and order (r&o) spelling out the changes and specifying an effective date. that's not likely to happen for several months. the fcc declined in its nprm to go forward with any other suggested changes to amateur service licensing rules or operating privileges beyond elimination of the morse requirement.
