FCC eliminates all Morse Code testing for amateur radio licensing

[Elspode]

I take it you think that this is not necessarily a good thing? 'Cause I agree with you, if so.

Morse may not be necessary anymore what with all the advancements in communications, but I think that the commitment shown to master it, even at the rate of five words per minute, shows a certain dedication and respect for the airwaves...

[MaggieL]

Originally Posted by Elspode

I take it you think that this is not necessarily a good thing? 'Cause I agree with you, if so.

Morse may not be necessary anymore what with all the advancements in communications, but I think that the commitment shown to master it, even at the rate of five words per minute, shows a certain dedication and respect for the airwaves...

It clearly shows a certain something. But current behavior on parts of the 75 meter phone band (which until now had required 5 wpm code to license) doesn't convince me that those ops have "respect for the airwaves". Take a listen some evening.

I'd be more impressed with stiffening the technical questions on the more advanced exams.

Beyond not being necessary, today Morse is not even used by anyone other than radio amateurs. The only other use of it I'm aware of is identifying unattended stations like repeaters and navigation beacons...most of whom also use recorded voice announcements for the same function.

I don't regret learning it, and I'm hoping to improve my skill with it. It is unquestionably useful in certain circumstances. But I don't think it makes sense as a licensing requirement in the 21st century.

No other operating mode, from PSK-31 to Hellschriber, seems to need "affirmative action" in the licenesing process to prosper. And the countries that have already removed the requirement have actually seen an increase in CW (Morse) operation.