This article is a reprint from BH5EJK's WeChat account, written in his own voice.
In fact, when I first heard this news, I was confused because I couldn't think of any reason to ban the 6-meter band. However, after receiving confirmation from the official source, my mood gradually shifted from confusion to disappointment and anger. Initially, I thought that this disappointment and anger came from the Ministry of Communications, but after the article supporting the decision published on the hamCQ forum was arbitrarily deleted last night, I realized that my disappointment and anger were not coming from the official source, but from those who spread rumors and tried to undermine the situation.
I'm not a regular user of the 6-meter band, but it has always been an interesting band with its inherent uncertainties, which have led to many fascinating stories and anecdotes. In the past, veteran amateur radio enthusiasts in China worked tirelessly to secure bandwidth from VHF broadcast frequencies for amateur radio use. This allowed this band to connect with the rest of the world and became a significant band for Chinese amateur radio. Although this band operates within the VHF range, it possesses some characteristics similar to shortwave bands, allowing for long-distance communication under specific conditions. Therefore, the 6-meter band is currently the almost only band available for young people to legally engage in DX (long-distance) communication. The recent ban on the 6-meter band in Zhejiang province has had a very negative impact.
While I don't often operate on the 6-meter band, we amateur radio operators are in this together, and one person's misfortune is another's. The ban on 430-440 MHz and 146-148 MHz in Zhejiang back then caused many stations to go silent, and many passionate amateurs eventually gave up and moved elsewhere. At that time, we were silent; now, we shouldn't remain silent. Who knows what the future holds – will it be the 20-meter band next year, or the 15-meter band the year after?
Zhejiang cannot lose 6 meters; just as the West cannot lose Jerusalem, China cannot lose Taiwan.
However, what is even more puzzling is that while various associations in Zhejiang were taking action and individuals were actively advocating for their rights, there were always a few "ants" who would make empty threats, spread rumors, and try to undermine everyone else's efforts. They would say things like "hitting an elephant with an egg," "opposing the government," or "a mayfly trying to move a tree." But are we actually doing anything illegal or criminal?
HAM is a niche group, and Zhejiang HAM particularly struggles to survive in the margins. I have consistently called for unity, and this time I am calling on everyone to unite. Those who advocate for the people are enlightened individuals with courage and foresight, dedicated to protecting the interests of all HAM members. Even if the final outcome is not ideal, they should uphold the spirit of "knowing that it cannot be done but doing it anyway." Even if most people do not take a leading role or even express their opinions, at least they should unite and avoid making empty promises or engaging in self-serving behavior. Opposition, disdain, and mockery come from within the group, which has deeply disappointed countless HAM members.
Finally, I would like to present Martín Nemeroff's poem of confession, "I Didn't Speak."
Initially, they were hunting down communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist.
Later, they hunted down union members, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a member of the union.
Then they began to hunt down and kill Jews, and I didn't say anything because I wasn't Jewish.
Finally, they rushed towards me, but no one else came to my defense.
"I didn't say anything"