Please confirm that amateur radio operators will continue to be able to support communities in the United States by providing communications using digital methods.  As a member of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) I know that the Winlink radio email program in connection with many digital transmission modes is an effective way to communicate in times of emergency.  Digital voice can also be helpful.  While the human ear is not able to translate the transmitted messages, the messages are readily translated using publicly available hardware and software.  Therefore, such transmissions should not be considered to be obscured or encrypted because of the digitization; the ability to translate such messages is not hidden; the public and the government can access them.

Clarifying that digital modes such as AMTOR, DMR, D-Star, FSK, FT8, JT65, JT9, MT63, Packet, PACTOR and PSK31 are acceptable will allow amateurs to use such modes knowing they are operating within the FCC rules.  It would be helpful to acknowledge that future modes might be created that also would be allowable under section 97.

Please support the digital efforts of Amateur Radio by updating the regulations to allow current and future digital modes.  Your consideration is appreciated.

/s/ WA3KBE Glenn Boyle, Sandy Hook, CT 06482