The need for expensive NWS RPG dial lines has been reduced as a result of recent upgrades to the AWIPS terrestrial WAN. As a result, the WSR-88D Hotline has been tasked to implement, with your assistance, the National Weather Service's reduction of the number of NWS dial ports at each CONUS NWS and DoD RPG, and at San Juan. Suspense for site action is March 23.

This action involves the RPG ports accessed when you issue a one-time product request (OTR) to a non-associated RPG. Specifically, it will:

(1.) consolidate all NWS PUP and AWIPS dial users to five dial ports at coastal RPGs (Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts).

(2.) consolidate all NWS PUP and AWIPS dial users to four dial ports elsewhere.

NOTE: Sprint has already been directed by NWS Headquarters to disconnect all NWS dial ports not included in the new configuration by the end of March. If your site action is not completed by that time, you may lose dial access to RPG data until it is completed.

Instructions for editing (1.) each PUP's RPG List and (2.) each AWIPS dialRadars.txt files are being developed and will be faxed soon to each affected NWS site by the Hotline. Your local editing should be accomplished as soon as possible after receipt of our instructions, but no later than March 23^rd.

No action is necessary with RPG adaptation data at this time. Updated WSR-88D Communications Documentation Notebooks will be distributed from the Hotline to each affected site later in the spring, as soon as our workload permits.

Questions regarding this activity should be directed to the WSR-88D Hotline. We appreciate your assistance.