1990-2000: The End

1991:  FCC adopts the (code-free) Technician license.  Existing Technicians and new one who passed a 5 word per minute Morse code test became Technician Pluses and had Novice HF privileges.  The new code-free Technicians had privileges on VHF and UHF. 

The Novice written examination, Element 2, was increased to 35 questions.           

1993:  Due to the GMDSS, the U.S Coast Guard stops monitoring the International Distress Frequency 500khz.   

1997: June.  The population of hams in the U.S. is over 678,473.  There were 3M in Japan; total population of 124M. 

About 1998:  There are over 740,000 hams in the U.S.  Japan has about twice the number of hams. 

1999:  Costal radio service stations which used Morse code  were closed. 

2000s

2000, Jan. 1:  There are 682,240 hams in the U.S. 

2000, April 15:  FCC restructures amateur radio licenses.  FCC stops issuing new Novice and Advanced licenses.  Current holders may use and renew their licenses.   Element 1B, 13 word per minute Morse code requirement, and Element 1C, 20 words per minute were  eliminated.  General required 5 words per minute Morse code receiving test, (new) Element 1.  Extras were required to pass Element 1.       

The Technician written test was now designated Element 2 by the FCC.   Prior to this point, Element 2 was the FCC designation for the Novice written test.  

2002, Oct. 31.  There are over 684,355 hams in the U.S.