ARRL info and my comments:
"The ARRL understands that the underlying premise for the proposed rule changes is the shortage of Amateur Radio call signs in the preferred formats and that there is "competition among radio amateurs for these call signs. "
** Back in 1979 when I applied for a two-letter call, I just knew the day would come when they were deemed valuable. For a long time the reserve of good calls remained flush, but suddenly they were gone.
"Since 2×1 and 1×2 format call signs are at a premium in all call areas now (and some permutations are fully assigned...."
* Yep, it was only a matter of time.
*The "Solution?"
"The League noted that though call signs such as W23A are consistent with the International Radio Regulations, the Commission would have to change Section 2.302 of the their rules, as that rule Section does not permit amateur call signs in the two-number format. "This proposal would not create any confusion relative to television broadcast translators or low power television stations, which use two-letter suffixes after the two numbers, which signify a television channel number," the ARRL put forth. "Nor would it conflict with FM broadcast translators, which utilize three numbers (ranging from 200 to 300, designating FM broadcast channel numbers), followed by two letters. It is desirable and possible to increase the pool of Group A call signs by adding this new format to the pool of available call signs for assignment to Extra Class licensees."
* Gag me! W99A, K73D, K11JJ, W15VD, W22ZE, WB33HUZ, WA11HLR, W11IA, WA19QIX... could become a reality.
That's it - I'm selling out! ...
T