With the demise of AO-13 many satellite operators moved to other areas of interest. With 3D we can anticipate their return plus hundreds, or thousands, of others entering this highly interesting area. The availability of microwave frequencies that cross international boundaries will spawn a new set of initially homebrewed or converted equipment, followed by commercial items.

Experiments with PSK31, Spread Spectrum, SSTV, Hi-speed Packet, TCP-IP, etc. will occur BECAUSE of the ability of a MUCH LARGER community of interested hams who can concurrently participate. No longer is wide band hi-speed microwave based packet reserved for a few people who have to live within 20 miles of each other on hilltops. ANYONE with an interest in this, and other functions, can probably find like minded people to work with in the development of advanced systems. With small microwave stations DXpeditions can go almost anywhere to offer rare countries on 10ghz! Condo and restricted covenant Hams can whip up a small helical antenna with PVC pipe and talk around the world. APRS on L-Band can show where hams are around the world with very little spectrum usage. The list goes on.....

The chiding by the FCC to move on or loose it will be seen as a challenge that can not only be accepted, but will now successfully serve to protect our frequencies.

Dick Boley N3HKN