FCC to eliminate symbol limits on amateur radio transmissions

Dan KB6NU writes

Let the innovation begin! FCC eliminates baud rate limitation

https://www.kb6nu.com/let-the-innovation-begin-fcc-eliminates-baud-rate-limitation/

From the Federal Communications Commission:

Specifically, we remove limitations on the symbol rate (also known as baud rate)—the rate at which the carrier waveform amplitude, frequency, and/or phase is varied to transmit information1—applicable to data emissions in certain amateur bands. The amateur radio community can play a vital role in emergency response communications, but is often unnecessarily hindered by the baud rate limitations in the rules.

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-23-93A1.pdf

The ARRL reacts favorably, noting that there is still a bandwidth limit on transmissions in the affected bands.

"Consistent with ARRL’s request, the amended rules will replace the current HF restrictions with a 2.8 kHz bandwidth limit."

http://arrl.org/news/arrl-hails-fcc-action-to-remove-symbol-rate-restrictions

These limitations have been lifted temporarily in the past, when emergency traffic needed more bandwidth (e.g. for Hurricane Ida in 2021), so it's likely that once the restrictions are lifted that modem software like VARA will be able to use these new features right away.

http://www.arrl.org/news/view/fcc-grants-temporary-waiver-to-permit-higher-symbol-rate-data-transmissions-for-hurricane-ida-traffi

Regulations do not go into effect until they are published in the Federal Register (about a 30 day delay).