The following is an excerpt from an article on the Mobile Radio Technology website:
http://telephonyonline.com "Lastly, the easiest target of spectrum opportunity may be the 222MHz–225MHz amateur radio allocation. Although radio amateurs have been appropriately vocal in defense of their spectrum, their pleas to leave their 222MHz–225MHz band alone may go unheeded if the FCC receives a petition that proposes a compelling commercial use for the spectrum.
Despite the radio amateurs’ contention that increasing numbers of them were using the 220MHz–222MHz band, the FCC still reallocated it. In the controversial decision, the FCC knowingly disregarded extensive use of the band. The commission referred to a directory for amateur radio repeaters in the 222MHz–225MHz band and ignored weak-signal and inter-city relay operations by amateurs in the lower band segment.
The FCC changed its amateur radio rules to allow entry-level licensees who pass a written exam to use 222MHz–225MHz without taking a Morse code test. But the number of amateurs using that band hasn’t risen as few choices of radio products are available for the band.
Overall, the 220MHz band dangles tantalizing possibilities. Technically, the band offers desirable propagation. It has long been the darling in the eye of the FCC’s technical planners. However, without a complement of suitable equipment manufacturers and without a track record of business success by licensees, the spectrum lies fallow.
With the clamor caused by the Nextel white paper that proposes to displace business and industrial users from their present channels at 800MHz, more attention is being paid to their future spectrum needs. Perhaps a re-born, re-planned 220MHz band is the answer.
The author
Todd Ellis has more than 15 years of experience in the computing and communications industries. As the operations manager for the Telecommunications Division at Booth & Associates, Raleigh, NC, he oversees a staff..."
Well, what do you guys think? Is 220 here to stay for us?
