Where do the find the right frequency on a given HF band for the new digital modes, PSK31, MFSK16, Hellschreiber, MT63 and so on?

Not an easy question to answer today.

When HF bandplans were established, the new soundcard digital modes did not exist. A quick review of existing "official" bandplans shows a real gap for the new digital modes. See, for example:

IARU Region 1: http://www.sk3bg.se/eiarur1.htm
IARU Region 2: http://www.iaru-r2.org/hf_e.htm
IARU Region 3: http://www.jarl.or.jp/iaru-r3/
Australia: http://www.wia.org.au/bandplans/HF.html#20 Metres
RAC: http://www.rac.ca/hfband.htm
ARRL: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bandplan.html#80m

As world amateur radio societies prepare for the ITU World Radio Conference (WRC-03) in 2003, (see http://www.fcc.gov/wrc-03) this is a good moment to recognize the importance of these new modes and better argue for our place in the HF spectrum.

The purpose of establishing this Group is to try and put together recommendations, to ourselves, where we find QSOs happening in the various digital modes, in our HF bands and regions. Put together an informal "band plan" based on best current practices and recommendations and provide a solid empirical base for recommending a new world wide digital mode band plan based on best (and proven) practices!

Jim (AD4JE)