jmarcel66

I am considering a recommendation to add GMRS frequencies (not Channels) to Part 95 with specific conditions and figure the debate can rage here. Here goes the bullet points of the idea. Add 454.5250 through 454.6500 (6 Frequencies) using 25Khz spacing designated at 50 Watts ERP maximum for Mobile, Base and Repeater Output frequencies. Add 454.5375 through 454.6375 (5 Frequencies) using 25Khz spacing designated at 10 Watts ERP maximum for Mobile (portable) only frequencies. Add 459.5250 through 459.6500 (6 Frequencies) using 25Khz spacing designated at 50 Watts ERP maximum for Inputs to the new 454 Repeaters. By FCC rule, do not allow these frequencies to be added to any new, or existing models of radios that use pre-set channels, or allow them to be assigned Channels within an FRS type radio service. In other words, 454.525 can't become FRS/GMRS Channel-23 or similar. Require Narrowband (12.5) operation. Allow Digital Voice modes in conventional configuration only, currently accepted in Part 90 rules. (I.e. P25, DMR, NXDN, etc. but no multi-frequency trunking). Do not apply the current GMRS grandfathering business license rules to these frequencies. Remove the frequencies from their current FCC category, and make GMRS secondary on the frequencies through grandfathering, to any existing active users from the previous category. No new licenses would be issued in the previous category. By rule, allow Part 90 type accepted equipment. Essentially, the idea is to increase the pool for GMRS licensees ONLY without the FRS bubble pack garbage that has previously followed, and using expanded types of equipment. The frequencies would be, 454.5250, 454.5375, 454.5500, 454.5625, 454.5750, 454.5875, 454.6000, 454.6125, 454.6250, 454.6375, 454.6500, 459.5250, 459.5500, 459.5750, 459.600, 459.6250 & 459.6500. Let the debate rage. John/WPXA902

Just seeing this, so behind a bit. Hopefully, this concept died. Amateur Radio (which I am a ham) serves it purposes on its bands, including segments of the UHF spectrum, where GMRS lives. As a repeater owner, I've never told anyone not to talk tech, but the reason the repeater is there is for families, and general communications between GMRS licensees. It's not an alternate rag chew repeater when the ham repeaters are busy, which isn't common around here. Having read the introduction of the filing, it may try to claim on the surface it's not about grabbing more frequencies, but the end result is just that. Experimentation on GMRS frequencies is fine to obtain the goals of having equipment on the air. But the use of and spirit on GMRS needs to remain for family and licensee communications. If you're a ham and want to talk to your family, get a GMRS license. Don't try to piggyback somewhere else. Let's all stay in our lanes. John/WPXA902