For anyone interested in considering a STA you should go to this site: https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/forms/STANotificationPage.cfm

STAs are only good for six months, but they can be extended by filing another application. The filing fee is $60, and you will need your FRN and password to file it. It is not a simple process, but it is doable. You should have a narrative explanation of what you propose to do in PDF format to upload as an attachment as well as filling out the form completely.

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Is this how STAs now work?

When we were implementing packet radio in Canada in the late seventies, American hams claimed that the STA process was slow and difficult, the equivalent to getting an act through Congress that was difficult and slow

Was this real at the time? Is it better now?

I may have to go through this to push a new mesh protocol through as STA (yah, gotta do my local exams first!) and what to know what I'll be up against.

• Richard

On 3/4/16 10:30 PM, ve1jot wrote:

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(Please trim inclusions from previous messages) _______________________________________________ +1

On 16-03-04 08:16 PM, kd6oat wrote:

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(Please trim inclusions from previous messages) _______________________________________________ Regarding an STA for higher data rates experimentation: I would think a well written proposal accompanied by the signature of a number of licensed operators willing to participate in experiments would go a long way. Count me in as one who would be willing to sign on. Ken - KD6OAT

On Thu, Mar 3, 2016 at 11:22 AM, Brian Kantor <Brian at ucsd.edu> wrote:

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(Please trim inclusions from previous messages) _______________________________________________ In the FCC arena, one of the better ways to get technical restrictions removed is to apply for and operate under an STA - Special Temporary Authority, a document from the FCC that basically allows you to operate an exception to the normal rules. Typically the only requirement is that you make a good case for it technically and that you write up a report afterwards. In the past, STAs have been the basis for changes to the rules. Someone who writes well may want to consider submitting one to allow higher data rates based solely on bandwidth and then experimenting with it.

Another possibility is to apply for a Experimental Radio Service license which basically allows you to do just about anything if you can make a good case for it. They used to be a little expensive and they require a written report on what you found out with your experiments but it does allow nearly anything you can think of. - Brian