Comments filed electronically previously re. NPR 98-143:  

#1  dated 08/18/98

Your 98-143 NPR re. Amateur Radio is excellent, with one
exception.
It would greatly enhance your proposal if you would adopt the
Lic.
Class restructuring plan proposed by the ARRL.  This is
especially
important in the area of Tech Plus licensees being placed in the
Gen-
eral Class since they have already passed the 5 wpm code test.
Licensees who have never passed any code test should be the only 
ones who are in the new Tech Class.  This is only fair and would
revitalize the Amateur Service.  Thank you very much.  Glenn Shaw
N1GBY formerly WA1MFQ.



#2  dated  09/03/98

I applaud  the FCC and the ARRL for their restructure proposals.
These are extremely overdue.  I strongly suggest that the Morse
Code
requirements regarding speeds be changed to two tests.  5 and 10
or 13
wpm.  5 wpm for the General Class and the higher speed for the
Advanced
and Extra Class.  This change would bring the US into conformance
with 
the rest of the world.  It would make the Morse speeds actually
relavent to the use and importance of this mode of transmission,
and it would fairly address the phase out of the Tech Plus
Licensees
who have in many cases already passed these test elements.
This proposal should be placed on the fast track for
implementation.
Thank you;
Glenn Shaw
N1GBY formerly WA1MFQ