Digital (mostly RTTY) changed the landscape on 40. It used to be 7000 to
7040 was CW, 7040 to 7050 was RTTY, 7050 to 7060 was any mode, and 7060 to
7100 was SSB. Remember KP4 et al have 7075 to 7100 for SSB.
Rtty expansion virtually took away the SSB portion so now on non Contest
weekends and nights SSB DX and RTTY fight it out between 7050 and 7100. On
SSB Dx weekends SSB covers the band and on RTTY weekends they cover the
bands.
Many overseas countries have given 7100 to 7200 to their amateurs and most
of us who operate SSB have worked Dx simplex between 7125 and 7200. Some Dx
are as loud as stateside.
The band between 7100 and 7125 needs to be taken by SSB DX with split up to
work USA.
At least in the recent ARRL DX SSB there was little SSB DX below 7040. Now
SSB DX and rtty need a band plan. I agree with N4ZR. Why does digital need
more space on 40 (normally) than on 20? Perhaps 7040 to 7070 should be
enough with expanded coverage on contest weekends (say up to 7100).
Hopefully the VE's and latin American SSB will comply with a band plan
otherwise it remains a shootout.
Dave K4JRB
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