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They're literally the reason I got into GMRS, too. Any particular reason? From what I heard, they're building out a boatload of "excess" capacity for that network.

I had assumed the first couple of responses had adequately addressed the original post. But, that seems to not be the case. So, I will give it a try... #1) GMRS and Amateur radio are two completely separate services with different applications, users and purposes. In particular, the US Amateur Radio service is based on International agreements: #2) As the FCC made clear in its response to the 2014 petition, allowing non-certified radios to be used in the GMRS "would allow for the proliferation of home-built, non-standardized transmitters in the GMRS, with no practicable way for the Commission to monitor and enforce regulatory compliance for these devices." Further, allowing licensed amateurs to operate non-certified equipment in the GMRS would provide special privileges for users of one service operating in another, completely unrelated, service. This would be an extremely slippery slope, one any regulatory agency would want to avoid. #3) Amateur Radio and GMRS each have their place in the world. I believe the FCC made the right decision. Blurring the boundary between the two would not result in any real benefit for anyone and might cause a lot of problems for both services. #4) If you really want/must use ham gear on GMRS, go ahead, nobody is really going to stop you. Take responsibility for your action and operate accordingly. Just do not expect the FCC to officially condone your actions.

Lets just go for the APX 8000 4 Bands in 1 Radio: 7/800 MHz, VHF and UHF even includes P25. For the guy that had everything ​Its only a second mortgage away!

Got my new to me Kenwood yesterday and I love it thanks guys !

Motorola gear is a pain to get programming software for but not impossible. I can take a week or longer to navigate Motorola's process but in the end you will have legal software and you can get the entitlement for wideband operation for free after some quick online training. I use Motorola for the options alone, in the truck I run handheld control heads and a long range Bluetooth speaker mic so I can use the trucks radio well in restaurants our friends houses. The same mic is also on my base paired with a desktop mic, its nice being able to go anywhere in the house and just carry a small mic that allows the use of the base. This gear is a little pricey but can be found used on ebay reasonable, its all comes down to personal preference. Bluetooth Mic that can be attached to most of the newer Motorola XPR radios including portables. http://mwgmrs.com/mygmrs/handmic.jpg This is the handheld control head, it is also the speaker and mic, 4 years old an not a single issue. http://mwgmrs.com/mygmrs/truck1.jpg Radio Head unit is installed under the back seat. http://mwgmrs.com/mygmrs/truck2.jpg The control head cable comes thru the map pocket allowing it to tuck away nicely out of sight. http://mwgmrs.com/mygmrs/truck4.jpg Simple 1/4 wave gives great performance, i am able to hit repeaters 30 miles away and simplex 10 miles easy in the freeway. http://mwgmrs.com/mygmrs/truck3.jpg